Manila: The Philippine government stands ready to support travelers and tourism stakeholders affected by the heavy rains and flooding caused by the southwest monsoon and Severe Tropical Storm Emong (international name Co-may). In an advisory issued Thursday evening, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said at least 1,000 tourists were affected or stranded due to flight and ferry cancellations, mostly in Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and northern Mindanao. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Tourism has ensured that their Tourist Assistance Call Center remains available 24/7 to provide support, ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors and stakeholders across the country. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco emphasized the commitment to addressing any needs that arise and offering the necessary assistance to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all.
Travelers in need of assistance may reach the DOT through its Tourist Assistance Call Center via Hotline: 151-TOUR (151-8687), Phone and SMS: +63 954 253 3215, Email: [email protected], or Facebook Messenger: Department of Tourism - Philippines.
As of 7 a.m. Friday, Emong is traversing the mountainous terrain of Cordillera Administrative Region, with the center located in the vicinity of San Isidro, Abra. The DOT reported that in Intramuros, floodwaters have receded and all streets are now passable to pedestrians and vehicles. However, several historical sites were affected, including Fort Santiago, Puerta Real Gardens, Baluarte San Diego, and ASEAN Garden.
To ensure the protection and integrity of heritage sites, Frasco has directed the DOT's infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), to assist the Intramuros Administration in conducting a survey of affected areas. In Calabarzon, infrastructure and tourism-related damage in Montalban, Rizal, included preliminary losses to trails and tourism facilities, with estimated financial impacts around PHP2.8 million.
In Mimaropa, damage to accommodations and travel agencies in El Nido are estimated at over PHP264,400, while tourist boats in Coron sustained damage valued at PHP550,000. There were additional losses reported from cancelled tours. Frasco earlier convened a tourism emergency response operations meeting and instructed the regional offices to coordinate with local government units, national agencies, and affected tourism stakeholders to extend assistance.
