Tourism rehab to follow: Bringing aid to typhoon victims a priority – DOT

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Tourism Central Visayas (DOT-7) recognizes the need to revive the tourism industry of the northern towns and islands of the province and regain the livelihood of the affected families but emphasized helping the victims with their basic needs as the top priority for now.

Earlier, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) reported that the super typhoon Yolanda has damaged 80 to 95 percent of residences and agricultural lands in the north.

Governor Hilario Davide III said 95 to 98 percent of  homes in Bantayan, Madridejos and Sta. Fe towns were destroyed. Twelve were reported dead in Bantayan town, three in Madridejos, and four in Sta. Fe.

The same scenario was seen in northern towns of Cebu such as in Daanbantayan, Medellin  and San Remigio as with in 80 to 95 percent of houses and establishments were destroyed.

While there was no fatality reported, houses and agricultural properties in Camotes Island were also damaged.

Cebu 4th district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon said that the typhoon has incurred an estimated damage between P700 million to P800 million for infrastructures, barangay halls, covered courts, schools and beach resorts  among others after conducting an aerial inspection last November 9.

Salimbangon said that the tourism industry is seen to be greatly affected since the district has more than 20 big beach resorts, 15 of which are in Malapascua island, that were heavily damaged.

In an interview with The FREEMAN, DOT-7 regional director Rowena Montecillo said that they have to assess the worst-hit areas first to check how many accommodation establishments have been destroyed and how much is the cost of damage.

“We are sending a crew from our team to personally assess those areas since we have to separate the damage of the business and accommodation establishments. We have to expect and prepare for the worst since these areas in the northern town and islands in the province which are considered as tourist attractions were the most affected from the typhoon,” she said.

She said that the government agency will lay out the plans and strategies to revive the tourism industry in the worst-hit areas after the said assessment of DOT.

“After all, we have to ensure the safety of the tourists and focus on the general welfare of the residents in those areas. For now, we cannot accommodate tourists yet in the northern part of Cebu. It will take time and how long it will be, we will not know yet,” she said.

She further noted that the islands of Bantayan, Malapascua, and Camotes account a contribution of 10 to 12 in the overall tourism industry of the province.

She cited that the province, for now, could capitalize on tourist destinations in Cebu City and other parts of Cebu that have not been severely damaged by the storm.

Montecillo added that Mactan Island and Cebu City where most of the accommodation establishments could be found still covers a majority of the total tourism sector.

For now, the tourism regional director emphasized the urge to help the victims through the relief operations and eventually extend assistance in rebuilding their houses.

Montecillo also shared that DOT intends to assist the typhoon victims in the rehabilitation of their communities and in the recovery of their tourism industry to help the residents regain one of their primary livelihoods. /JOB (FREEMAN)