Atok sets tourist dress code to ‘respect local culture’

Benguet, Philippines-An ordinance for dress code rule for arriving tourists in Atok is now being crafted as a show of “respect [to] the local culture and prevent ‘whistle and catcalls’ coming from locals which others may perceive as insulting and demeaning.”

Atok Mayor Raymundo Sarac, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency, said the new rule will be part of the tourism ordinance and plan stipulating restrictions, entrance fee, and environmental fee, among others.

As Sarac explained, arriving tourists will be requested to wear clothing that covers much of the body which is suitable with the weather and does not show too much skin.

“Atok is one of the coldest places and they should be wearing a jacket or a shirt and there should be ‘no skin’ that is showing,” the mayor stressed.

After the briefing of the ordinance, tourists as Sarac said, will first be oriented about “our people, our culture, and the place” before proceeding to the different tourist destinations.

The dress code is also for the protection and safety such that “very short” pants will not be allowed, as Atok is a mountain area and if tourists slip, they might be wounded.

Though the town is not yet ready to open its border to tourists, Sarac have asked the different barangays and owners of the tourism destinations to use the time to prepare their lodges, restaurants, comfort rooms, and parking.

Atok is known for its Sakura Garden at the Heights Place of Paoay. The town also promotes Northern Blossom, Mt. Pulag which is the country’s second highest peak, and Mt. Timbac.

The greenhouse gardens owned by the family of Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat are also found in Atok.

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