Lalaguna Villas – Carrying on During the Pandemic

The pandemic took the whole world by surprise, affecting nearly every community and business around the world. Of the industries that have suffered, the travel and tourism sector has been affected dramatically, as have the communities reliant on tourists for survival.

Such has been the case all over the Philippines, especially in resort areas like Puerto Galera. 

Our local area has witnessed the closure of many of the once-thriving resorts, some permanently, and great suffering by the community that depends on resort operations to derive most of their income. 

At Lalaguna Villas, the resort’s owner and management decided to take a different course to other establishments in the area. Our action plan included caring for the livelihood of our staff and their families, trying to maintain resort operations, albeit with reduced capacity and services, and undertaking projects to improve our facilities.

Caring for our Team

Although it would have been possible to close operations totally, we decided to service long-term resident guests, maintain the property, and utilize the time to make significant improvements to many parts of the resort.

Of all the things we’ve done through the pandemic, caring for our team members has been the most important to us during this disastrous time for this resort community.

Our team members have fared better than most in the community and have assisted their extended families during this ongoing crisis.

Resort Improvements

We could employ additional people from the community, many of whom were out of work due to resort closures, and in turn, provide income for them and their families. With no inbound tourists, it was also a convenient time to undertake such construction projects.

The building of our new bar and restaurant, and our new function facilities, employed almost 30 additional workers while we were allowed to carry on the work. At times, there were interruptions due to restrictions on construction, but work resumed when lifted.

We now have upgraded facilities that we’re proud of, and in the process, many members of our the community benefited during this trying period, with a steady source of income to care for their families.

Health & Safety

Lalaguna Villas was granted a Certificate of Authority to Operate by the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) soon after the new protocols were introduced.

We were one of the first resorts in the region to be granted the CAO, enabling us to resume resort operations safely at a reduced capacity.

To achieve this, our team worked tirelessly to effectively implement the new health and safety measures set by the DOT and the Philippines Department Of Health (DOH). 

Read more about our protective and preventative health and safety program.

Innovative Guest Services

With restrictions on movement, specific requirements, and fear about any form of travel, we’ve been able to assist our guests with services that go beyond our peers in the industry.

Inbound Marketing

So at a time when there’s been a decline in the number of overall travelers, to assist potential guests and coordinate their transit, our guest relations team has actually expanded – providing much-needed income for those team members and their families.

Point-to-Point Logistics

It’s been a massive undertaking that requires the involvement of many team members, literally nurturing our guests from their point of origin.

This level of service is practically unknown in our industry, and it’s something we’re proud of during this challenging period.

Appreciative Guests

And to say that our guests have been appreciative of our efforts is an understatement.

We’ve received an amazing response and great praise for the personal service we’ve been providing to people, assisting them to safely travel to get away for a few days with family and friends.

Supporting Local Initiatives

We were happy to provide Lalaguna Villas vehicle for the long journey, making it comfortable for all as we traveled down the East coast of Mindoro to Bulalacao.

The Road Forward

Like everyone, our hope at Lalaguna Villas is that some degree of normalcy will return soon – not only for travel but to life as a whole.