By Tony Chavez
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is actively assisting stranded tourists in various regions of the country due to disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Kristine, with travel heavily impacted and damage reported at several tourist sites.
According to the DOT’s latest advisory, as of midnight on October 25, 2024, its regional offices have reported 529 stranded tourists across various regions. The affected areas include:
Region II (Batanes), 179 tourists; Region IV-A (Mauban, Quezon, and Lobo, Batangas), 16 tourists; MIMAROPA (Oriental Mindoro and Marinduque), 33 tourists; Region VI (Boracay), 12 tourists; Region VIII (Maasin), 25 tourists; Region XIII (Surigao del Norte), 264 tourists.
In addition, the storm damaged 14 tourist sites, including those in Sorsogon, Masbate, Batangas, and the Dinagat Islands.
The DOT is actively verifying reports of stranded tourists in Northern Luzon and the Bicol Region, which are currently experiencing the brunt of Tropical Storm Kristine. Updated information will be provided as it becomes available.
“The Department of Tourism is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our local and foreign tourists affected by Tropical Storm Kristine. We are closely coordinating with our regional offices, local government units (LGUs), and other government agencies to immediately assist stranded tourists. The DOT stands ready to extend all necessary support during this time," Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
To ensure the safety and well-being of affected tourists, the DOT, through its regional offices, works closely with accommodation establishments (AEs) to provide temporary shelter. The DOT also coordinates with LGUs and relevant national government agencies, including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), to provide immediate assistance to needy tourists.
The DOT strongly advises all tourists and travelers to stay informed through official weather bulletins from PAGASA and local advisories. Travelers are urged to only travel to affected areas or ports once authorities have declared it safe.
For tourist information and assistance, the DOT’s Tourist Assistance Agents are available via Mobile, 0995-835-5155; Facebook, Department of Tourism – Philippines page; Email -- touristassistance@tourism.gov.ph; and Click2Call and Live Webchat, beta.tourism.gov.ph
The DOT remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of both local and international tourists and ensuring that necessary support is readily accessible throughout this period of inclement weather.
The DOT is looking for ways to assist affected tourists, tourism workers, and establishments impacted by the storm.
"In addition to assisting tourists, we are also preparing to extend support to displaced tourism workers who may have been affected by this storm. As we continue to assess the damage to tourist sites and businesses, the DOT is ready to mobilize resources to help our tourism front liners and establishments recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the storm," remarked Secretary Frasco.
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