Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 29) — Several tourist spots in the Cordilleras and Ilocos Region have remained closed since the destructive earthquake that hit parts of Northern Luzon on Wednesday.
The Department of Tourism on Thursday said all tourism activities in Abra are suspended until further notice.
Meanwhile, Baguio City, Kabayan town in Benguet, and Mt. Pulag Protected Landscape (MPPL) continue to be open to visitors. Trekkers going to MPPL are advised that Akiki Trail is still undergoing assessment after the earthquake. Those who are bound for Kabayan are also told to take caution in traversing the road due to the possibility of aftershocks and rain showers.
All tourist sites in Sagada, Mountain Province — except Cave Connection, Sumaguing, Balangagan and Pongas Falls — have also reopened to visitors on Thursday.
In Region 1, the Bantay Bell Tower, Bantay Church/Saint Augustine of Hippo Parish Church, Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Caridad de Bantay in Bantay; Sta. Maria Church in Sta. Maria; St. Paul Cathedral, Heritage Village, Calle Crisologo, Ilocos Sur Regional Complex National Museum, Syquia Mansion, and all other tourist spots in Vigan City are still closed to visitors.
DOT added that in the Province of Pangasinan, only the Antong Falls in Sison was reported closed due to landslide.
In La Union, Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel and the Great Wall of Santol/Bilagan Road are temporarily closed.
On the efforts to rehabilitate damaged historic sites, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines has vowed to work with local government units and cultural property owners.
“Most of these structures have been declared National Historic Landmarks and important Cultural Properties, which are protected by the Heritage Law,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.
It emphasized that it will first give way first to relief operations before working on the rehabilitation of historic structures.
