Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 19) — At least ₱5.3 million in revenue would be lost on a daily basis if Puerto Galera would be closed to tourism due to the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Tuesday.
In a Palace briefing, Frasco said the Department of Tourism (DOT) “perceives with great concern” the financial impact of the oil spill in the province, which is estimated at ₱900 million overall.
The DOT chief added that Puerto Galera is a “top-rated destination,” which accounts for 85% of Oriental Mindoro’s tourism economy.
“According to statistics, should Puerto Galera be closed to tourism, there is a projected loss of no less than at least ₱5.3 million a day,” Frasco said.
She said the destination saw ₱500 million in tourism receipts from international arrivals in 2022 while as much as ₱1.2 billion in tourism revenue could be collected when at its peak.
“The most important thing right now, as far as tourism is concerned, is to really ensure the continued viability of Puerto Galera as a tourism destination, considering that no less than 11,000 tourism workers depend on the industry continuing to be open,” Frasco said.
Frasco also assured that the DOT is working closely with involved agencies for easy coordination between the national and the local governments of Oriental Mindoro and Puerto Galera.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported that only nine of the 35 sampling stations in Puerto Galera met the criteria for water quality guidelines. Twenty-six areas in Puerto Galera failed the water quality test due to traces of oil and grease.
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