LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — After months of ceasing operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourists can again enjoy the ATV or all-terrain vehicle ride at the foot of Mayon Volcano.
This developed after the city government of Legazpi laid out safety and health protocols that have to be observed by both the ATV operators and visitors, Mayor Noel Rosal said over the weekend.
“Aside from wearing face masks and face shields, we are also requiring the operators to limit the number of riders per group to ensure social distancing,” Rosal told The STAR.
The resumption of the ATV ride is expected to draw visitors again to the city.
The Bicolandia Outdoor Adventures (BOA) said it has complied with the safety and health protocols that the city government required.
Aside from observing health protocols, only one person is allowed to ride per ATV to avoid physical contact, BOA spokesman Erick Diaz said.
“A guide is assigned for every two riders, two for five to seven riders and four for 10 riders in every ATV trail convoy,” Diaz said.
He said they are offering guided and short ATV trail for P699, which may take for at least an hour.
Long trail leading to the hardened lava front of Mayon Volcano costs P1,850 and may take two hours.
The resumption of the ATV ride was also allowed after the Mayon alert level was lowered to one in July.
Mayon’s Alert Level 1 means the volcano is at a “low level of unrest.”