The Department of Tourism (DOT) has temporarily closed several tourist sites and suspended tourism activities across various regions due to persistent monsoon rains and Severe Tropical Storm Emong (international name Co-May).
In an advisory issued on Friday, the DOT urged tourists and stakeholders to prioritize safety, remain vigilant, and follow guidance from national and local authorities.
As of 5 p.m. Thursday, the following regions reported suspended activities or temporary closures:
- National Capital Region (NCR): Closure of People’s Park and Nature Park in Caloocan, Tagalag Eco-Tourism Park in Valenzuela, and select museums in Pasig, Makati, and San Juan. Intramuros walking tours and cultural exhibits are suspended.
- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): Tourist destinations in Benguet, Baguio City (all parks except Burnham), Sagada, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, and Abra are closed. Caving, trekking, rafting, and heritage tours are suspended.
- Ilocos Region: Closures include Patar Beach, Bolinao Falls, and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, as well as Tangadan Falls in La Union. All water-based and outdoor activities are suspended.
- Cagayan Valley: Coastal areas in Batanes and Nagtipunan ecotourism sites in Quirino are closed. Inland trekking and small vessel operations are suspended.
- Central Luzon: Eco-tourism sites in Aurora are inaccessible, and flooding has affected tourism zones in Bulacan and Pampanga. Nature-based activities are suspended.
- Calabarzon: Closed sites include Calibato Falls and Lagalas Falls in Laguna, Hinulugang Taktak and Daranak Falls in Rizal, and resorts in Batangas. Inland water and adventure activities are suspended.
- Mimaropa: Island tours in El Nido and Coron are suspended, with limited access in Puerto Galera.
- Bicol: Albay Wildlife Park and coastal towns in Masbate are closed. Volcano and beach tourism is suspended.
- Western Visayas: Mag-aso Falls in Kabankalan and Pamandayan Viewing Site in Antique are inaccessible. Hiking and waterfall tours are suspended.
- Central Visayas: No confirmed closures, but outdoor activities are suspended in response to local alerts.
- Eastern Visayas: No formal closures reported, but boat travel across ports is suspended, and Tacloban flights are canceled.
- Zamboanga Peninsula: No closures reported, but island hopping and dive tours are discouraged.
- Northern Mindanao: No confirmed closures, but advisories against trekking and waterfall visits are issued.
- Davao Region: No formal closures reported, but tree-top and river activities are temporarily paused due to landslide risks.
- Soccsksargen and Caraga: No closures reported, but swimming and diving activities are discouraged.
The DOT will coordinate with regional offices, local government units, and national agencies to ensure a timely response to weather-related disruptions. Travelers are urged to monitor official bulletins and contact the DOT Tourist Assistance Call Center for immediate concerns:
- Hotline: 151-TOUR (151-8687)
- Mobile: +63 954 253 3215
- Email: touristassistance@tourism.gov.ph
- Website: http://www.tourism.gov.ph
- Facebook Messenger: Department of Tourism – Philippines