ALAMINOS CITY, PANGASINAN — The Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) is now open to tourists for the long weekend after completing repairs from the damage caused by Typhoon Emong.
City Tourism Officer Miguel Sison said the typhoon damaged several facilities, including tables, tiles, glass windows, and doors in guest houses and the retreat house.
“There are damaged tables, tiles, including the glass windows and doors in the guest houses and retreat house, so we do not yet accommodate overnight stay, but the swimming and other water activities and ziplines are available for the tourists to enjoy,” Sison said.
After the typhoon hit on July 24, rehabilitation began immediately, allowing the park to resume operations by August 1. The city government prioritized road clearing and power restoration to avoid disrupting tourism in the central business district where most accommodations are located.
Sison said power and communication lines have been restored in most parts of the city, with daily tourist arrivals now averaging 400 to 550 visitors.
“Most are balikbayans and foreigners,” he added.
Sison assured tourists that the park is ready to provide a worthwhile experience.
“We are open seven days a week. As far as swimming and other activities are concerned, there is no problem. New destinations are open for the island tour, and we will do our very best to accommodate you,” he said.
Among the newest attractions is the Bonsai Garden, featuring hundreds of bonsai plants, the Our Lady of the Assumption statue, and a chapel.
From January to August 19, HINP recorded 287,575 tourist arrivals, peaking during Holy Week and the weeks following the Lenten season, when daily guests reached 1,000 on average and 4,000 on one weekend.