Pangasinan: The Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) in Alaminos City, Pangasinan is welcoming tourists for the long weekend after the devastation brought by Typhoon Emong. City Tourism Officer Miguel Sison, in a phone interview on Thursday, said the damage caused by the typhoon to facilities in the tourist spot has been repaired.

According to Philippines News Agency, the typhoon had damaged tables, tiles, and glass windows and doors in the guest houses and retreat house, which has temporarily halted overnight accommodations. However, swimming, water activities, and ziplines are now available for tourists. The recovery and rehabilitation commenced immediately after the typhoon's impact on July 24, allowing operations to resume by August 1.

The city government focused on road clearing and power restoration in the central business district to ensure minimal disruption to tourism. Issues such as toppled trees and power lines causing interruptions have been resolved in most areas. Tourist arrivals have averaged between 400 to 550 individuals daily, with many visitors being balikbayans and foreigners.

Sison assured tourists of a worthwhile experience at HINP, noting that new destinations are now open for island tours. Among these is the Bonsai Garden, featuring hundreds of bonsai plants, the Our Lady of the Assumption statue, and a chapel.

From January to August 19 this year, 287,575 tourist arrivals were recorded. The peak was during Holy Week and the weeks following the Lenten season, with average daily guests of 1,000 and a peak of 4,000 on one weekend.