BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Tourists traveling along Kennon Road to and from Baguio City will no longer be able to see the famous Lion Head, as a tarpaulin has been placed in front of it, today, April 7.

The action is in response to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s call on local officials on March 31 to strictly implement zero-obstruction policies, especially along Kennon Road, where many motorists stop here for picture taking, causing heavy traffic in the area.

This measure was taken because despite the police ban during the Holy Week, tourist motorists could not stop at the area and take pictures, which allegedly caused traffic along Kennon Road.

According to the police, the installation of the tarpaulin is to prevent visitors from taking pictures, which is causing heavy traffic on the road, especially now during the Summer Vacation when more tourists are expected.

According to a vendor in the area, they have suffered a huge loss in their livelihoods, relying solely on tourists stopping by the area now that Lion Head has been covered, as no one will buy their goods.

She said, “Last year, when Kennon Road was closed for a long time and impassable due to a landslide, we were unable to make a living and now, in the summer we were expecting and there were few visitors due to the fuel crisis, this is what happened, how can we do this?” the vendor, who did not want to be named, said.

The 40-foot Lion’s Head monument on Kennon Road is a sight that attracts thousands of visitors to Baguio City. It was built by the Baguio Lions Club in 1960 and formally inaugurated to the public in 1972.

Since then, this place has become one of the city’s tourist destinations and tourists have become a souvenir to take pictures of at this place. (SJ)