DOT vows to help recover tourism in Surigao del Norte after quake

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Saturday promised to help in rebuilding and recovering the tourism of Surigao del Norte after a powerful quake struck last Friday.

“Rest assured, we will provide all the support necessary to help the tourism sector in the said destinations to recover and rebuild and remain to be one of the country’s key tourist haven,” the Tourism department said in a statement.

While expressing its deepest concerns to those who were affected by the magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Surigao del Norte and nearby towns, the DOT has coordinated with the local government units to ascertain the safety of tourists in the affected areas.

It added that the agency has made available all its resources to provide immediate assistance and needs of the tourists.

Tourists who are planning to travel in the country are advised to check with DOT overseas and regional offices the updates on travel situations in affected areas.

The strong quake hit Surigao City, Surigao del Norte last Friday. It killed at least six people and injured more than 120 others.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, there are 28 barangays affected and 326 houses damaged as of Saturday afternoon.