MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that there are more or less 1,000 tourists affected due to Typhoon “Emong” and Tropical Storm “Dante”, most of them stranded due to flight and ferry cancellations.
The figure was reported by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, while attending the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) meeting, convened and presided over by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the NDRRMC Operations Center in Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday.
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported among tourists, Frasco stated.
Because of this, Frasco assured tourists and stakeholders of the Department’s commitment in ensuring the safety and welfare of travellers and tourism stakeholders, as Typhoon “Emong” and Tropical Storm “Dante” continue to bring severe weather disruptions across various regions in the country.
Frasco also called for a Tourism Emergency Response Operations Meeting to gather on-ground updates from its regional offices and attached agencies.
“These times call for our Department, as well as our attached agencies, to come together in aid of our affected regions,” Frasco said during the meeting.
“Our industry, normally, does not engage in crisis or disaster response related to weather disruptions in the immediate fashion that we are now, but it is of absolute importance that we act now rather than later to anticipate the needs of our stakeholders and provide the necessary support in the short and medium term,” she added.
DOT Secretary Frasco called for a Tourism Emergency Response Operations Meeting to gather on-ground updates from its regional offices and attached agencies. (Photo courtesy of Department of Tourism)
Ongoing weather disruptions’ impact on tourism sites
Meanwhile, regional offices and attached agencies of the DOT presented situational updates detailing the impacts of the weather disturbances on local tourism.
In Intramuros, while floodwaters have receded and all streets are now passable to pedestrians and vehicles, the Intramuros Administration (IA) reported that the flooding and rains affected historical sites within the Walled City, including Fort Santiago, Puerta Real Gardens, Baluarte San Diego, and ASEAN Garden.
To ensure the protection and integrity of heritage sites, Secretary Frasco has directed the DOT’s infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), to assist IA in conducting a survey of affected areas.
Meanwhile, in CALABARZON, the Regional Office reported infrastructure and tourism-related damages in Montalban, Rizal, with preliminary losses to trails and tourism facilities, alongside projected income loss and livelihood disruption among local tourism workers, estimated at approximately ₱2.8 million, the DOT said.
In MIMAROPA, the DOT-4B Office reported damages to accommodations and travel agencies in El Nido, which are estimated at over Php 264,400; while tourist boats in Coron sustained damage valued at ₱550,000. Likewise, additional losses were reported from cancelled tours.
Secretary Frasco also instructed the DOT Regional Offices to maintain active coordination with local government units (LGUs), national agencies, and affected tourism stakeholders to extend immediate assistance where needed, the Department mentioned.
Tourist hotline remains operational
The DOT assured travellers that its Tourist Assistance Call Center (TACC) remains fully operational 24/7, ready to provide immediate assistance to tourists and tourism-related businesses.
“The DOT is ready and prepared to assist all travellers during this challenging weather event. Our Tourist Assistance Call Center remains available 24/7 to provide support, ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors and stakeholders across the country,” Frasco emphasized.
The TACC may be reached through the following channels:
* Hotline: 151-TOUR (151-8687)
* Phone and SMS:+63 954 253 3215
* Email: [email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
* Facebook Messenger: Department of Tourism – Philippines
* Website: www.tourism.gov.ph
The TACC is staffed with English-speaking agents, as well as Korean and Mandarin-speaking representatives, to assist non-English-speaking travellers and ensure inclusive support, according to the DOT.
“We are committed to addressing any needs that arise and offering the necessary assistance to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all,” Frasco stated.
