The municipality of Atok in Benguet has resumed tourism activities even as farmers work to restore their vegetable and flower farms following Super Typhoon Uwan.
Mayor Franklin Smith announced on Friday that the suspension of tourism operations has been lifted, noting that reopening could help residents recover economically. “We are lifting the suspension of tourism activities today. We will resume accepting tourists and visitors because this will also allow our residents to recover from the devastation brought by the super typhoon,” he said.
Atok’s residents largely depend on agriculture, from vegetable and flower farming to agri-tourism. Popular attractions, including the Northern Blossom Flower Garden and Sakura Farm, are currently being cleaned and repaired. “We are still cleaning and fixing the gardens and the different destinations,” Smith added.
Although parts of the town remain without electricity—impacting greenhouses that rely on power for plant growth—residents remain committed to continuing food and flower production while welcoming tourists.
Tourism had been suspended prior to the typhoon as a precaution due to the outdoor nature of most attractions, but reopening signals a step toward economic and community recovery.
