MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) advises all tourists in the country to remain alert and to confirm the status of destinations before travelling, as several tourist sites in affected areas may be closed due to the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu province Tuesday evening.
In an advisory released on Wednesday, DOT reminded the public to be alert as well as there are possibilities of aftershocks.
“The public is likewise reminded of the possibility of aftershocks and encouraged to remain alert, monitor official bulletins from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and follow the guidance of local authorities,” the advisory stated.
The Tourism Department also mentioned that its lines of communication remain open for travellers requiring assistance.
Image courtesy of Department of Tourism (DOT)
According to the DOT, affected tourists and tourism stakeholders may contact the Department via the following contact details:
· Tourist Assistance Call Center - Hotline – 151-TOUR (151-8687)
· Mobile – 0954-253-3215
· Facebook – Department of Tourism – Philippines page
· Email - [email protected]
· Click2Call and Live Webchat – DOT corporate website www.tourism.gov.ph
Through its Regional Offices, DOT has been working closely with concerned agencies and local government units (LGUs) to assess the safety of access roads and bridges, as well as the condition of affected tourism establishments and workers. Further updates will be issued as needed, the advisory added.
Image courtesy of Department of Tourism (DOT)
Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco is now in Cebu to personally coordinate with relevant agencies and stakeholders, to access the damage to tourism establishments and heritage sites, as well as extend assistance to affected tourists and tourism employees in the province.
In her post on Facebook, Frasco also said that she has already contacted the Office of the President, as well as other heads of departments, to request for the urgent assistance for Cebu.
“After the 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu last night, I contacted the Office of the President and the Secretaries of National Defense, Transportation, Public Works and Highways, and Health to request urgent assistance for Cebu following coordination with local officials,” Frasco said in her post.
“I also coordinated with DOT officials, Regional Directors, and airport and port authorities to check on status of gateways and ensure the welfare of affected communities, tourists, and tourism frontliners,” she added.
Frasco also directed the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to deploy teams to assess the extent of damage to heritage churches in Cebu, particularly in Daanbantayan, Bantayan, Tabogon, and San Remigio, as well as key tourism establishments in Cebu City and northern Cebu.
“These assessments will guide the next steps to ensure safety and provide appropriate support,” she explained.
