DOT to tourists: Stay alert after Cebu quake; heritage sites under inspection

Metro Manila, Philippines - The government has called on tourists in Cebu and neighboring provinces to remain on alert following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the island late Tuesday, with tremors felt across the Visayas and parts of Luzon and Mindanao.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said she has coordinated with the Office of the President and the secretaries of National Defense, Transportation, Public Works and Highways, and Health to request urgent assistance for Cebu after the quake.

Frasco also said she has been in contact with Department of Tourism (DOT) regional officials, airport and port authorities to check the status of gateways and ensure the welfare of affected communities, travelers, and frontliners in the tourism sector.

“I have directed TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority) to deploy inspection teams to assess the extent of damage to heritage churches in Daanbantayan, Bantayan, Tabogon, and San Remigio, as well as key tourism establishments in Cebu City and northern Cebu,” Frasco said in a statement Wednesday.

“These assessments will guide the next steps to ensure safety and provide appropriate support.”

The DOT has advised tourists to confirm the status of destinations before traveling, noting that some attractions may be closed while safety inspections are ongoing. Authorities also reminded the public of possible aftershocks and urged travelers to monitor bulletins from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology \and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The agency said its Tourist Assistance Call Center remains open for travelers requiring assistance. Tourists may contact 151-TOUR (151-8687), mobile number 0954-253-3215, the Department of Tourism – Philippines Facebook page, or email touristassistance@tourism.gov.ph. Live chat support is also available through the DOT website.

The department added that its regional offices are working with local government units and other agencies to assess the safety of access roads, bridges, and affected tourism establishments. Further advisories will be issued as needed.