Phnom penh: The Department of Tourism (DOT) has temporarily closed several tourist sites and suspended tourism activities in various regions due to persistent monsoon rains and Severe Tropical Storm Emong (international name Co-May). The DOT urged tourists and tourism stakeholders to prioritize safety, remain vigilant, and follow the guidance of both national and local authorities.
According to Philippines News Agency, as of 5 p.m. Thursday, the National Capital Region (NCR) has reported closures of People's Park and Nature Park in Caloocan, Tagalag Eco-Tourism Park in Valenzuela, and select museums in Pasig, Makati, and San Juan. Intramuros walking tours and cultural exhibits are also suspended. In the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), tourist destinations in Benguet, Baguio City, Sagada, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, and Abra are closed, with various activities like caving and trekking suspended.
In the Ilocos Region, Patar Beach, Bolinao Falls, Hundred Islands, and other sites have been closed, and all water-based and outdoor tourism activities are suspended. Cagayan Valley has closed coastal areas in Batanes and Nagtipunan ecotourism sites, and inland trekking and small vessel operations are on hold. In Central Luzon, eco-tourism sites in Aurora are inaccessible due to flooding in Bulacan and Pampanga, with nature-based activities and scheduled training events suspended.
Calabarzon has closed sites including Calibato Falls, Hinulugang Taktak, and the Aguinaldo Shrine, suspending inland water, adventure, and heritage activities. Mimaropa has suspended island tours in El Nido and Coron, with limited access in Puerto Galera and affected coastal zones in Occidental Mindoro. Bicol has closed Albay Wildlife Park, hill and cave sites in Camalig, and coastal towns in Masbate with suspended ferry operations.
In Western Visayas, Mag-aso Falls and Pamandayan Viewing Site are inaccessible, with hiking and waterfall tours suspended. Central Visayas is under monitoring with outdoor activities suspended. Eastern Visayas has no formal closures but has suspended boat and ship travel, with flight cancellations. Other regions like Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and Caraga have issued advisories discouraging various activities without formal closures.
The DOT is coordinating with regional offices, local government units, and national agencies to ensure a unified response to the disruptions caused by the weather. Travelers are urged to monitor official bulletins and reach out to the DOT Tourist Assistance Call Center for immediate concerns.
