After the closure of the famous Sugba Lagoon in the town of Del Carmen in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, another renowned tourist destination in the island was temporarily closed starting last Sunday.

The municipal government of Pilar said the Magpupungo Beach, Lagoon, and Rock Formation will be closed temporarily staring January 19 until February 19 this year to allow recovery and rehabilitation.

The closure is in accordance with the Municipal Ordinance No. 005 series of 2019, the LGU said, adding there will be no business allowed inside the Magpupungko area during the period and appealed to tourists for understanding.

Aside from the Magpupungko, the municipal government of Claver in Surigao del Norte also announced the temporary closure of the Kabujuan Islet in Barangay Lapinigan.

The Kabujuan Islet is among the most visited spots in the town of Claver.

In a Facebook post, the Surigao del Norte Tourism Office said the islet needs break from visits to allow its natural healing and recovery. The islet will be opened again starting March 27, 2020, it said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism in the Caraga Region (DOT-13) expressed support to the move of the LGUs for the temporary closure of the two tourist sites.

DOT-13 OIC-Regional Director Mary Jean Camarin told Philippine News Agency on Monday said they will help the LGUs inform the public on the temporary closure of the sites.

Camarin also encouraged the local and foreign tourists to consider other tourist destinations in the area while the said spots are temporary closed. (PNA)