04/05/2021
We have been receiving quite a lot of queries recently about traveling to the island, so here's our response for tourists:
Sibale (Concepcion) is a small island with no hospital, and the nearest one is still at least 2-3hrs away via sea travel - in Mindoro.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are DISCOURAGING anyone from coming to the island until further notice (except if they are locals who live there and are coming home). And EVEN IF tourism travel will be given a green light by the government any time during this time of the global epidemic, travel to the island will still be discouraged.
And this is for everyone's safety.
Given that the nearest hospital is located in Mindoro, our locals will be at high risk of being exposed to COVID (from people coming in who may be asymptomatic) but with lower chances of being medically attended to - should anyone start showing symptoms.
Most of our locals' livelihood depends on seasonal coconut farming and their earnings from it will definitely not be enough for hospitalization, if they contract the virus.
The island's locals are its caretakers, and to protect the island, we must protect the people, too.
We hope you understand our sentiments, but still continue to hope for the best for our country's health and safety.
When all this is over, we look forward to seeing you take that first step off the boat to our piers or that first splash on our beaches.
But for now, we wait. And hope for the best.
Here's to watching the sunset with you, soon!
Cheers.
