Over 4K tourism workers affected by earthquake

CEBU, Philippines — At least 4,063 tourism workers in Northern Cebu have been affected to varying degrees by the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT)-7, prompting the agency to endorse them for emergency cash assistance under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program.

According to Gelena Asis-Dimpas, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Regional Director of DOT-7, most of the affected individuals come from host communities and accommodation establishments in tourism sites that sustained varying degrees of damage.

“These are the tourism workers directly hit by the disruption, either their workplaces were damaged or they have limited operations due to the quake,” Dimpas said in a press briefing.

“Even those who were not severely affected physically but are unable to return to normal work conditions are included in our list,” she added.

The 4,063 affected workers are concentrated in Northern Cebu, the area most heavily hit by the earthquake on September 30, 2025, which was followed by strong tremors that continued for weeks.

DOT-7 has already endorsed their names to the DSWD for immediate processing of the said assistance.

While assessments on infrastructure and heritage sites continue after the quake, DOT-7 reiterated that the welfare of tourism workers remains a top priority in its recovery plan.

“We are working closely with DSWD and other partner agencies to ensure that the affected workers receive the help they need while the industry gradually rebuilds,” Dimpas said.

According to her, this assistance forms part of the broader response and recovery program of the tourism department, which also includes coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Archdiocese of Cebu for the rehabilitation of heritage sites and tourism facilities.

Dimpas said that the department has intensified its relief, assessment, and restoration efforts for tourism communities affected by the recent earthquake in Cebu, working closely with other national agencies, local government units, and private sector partners.

She added that the assessment of damages to tourism infrastructure in Cebu and nearby provinces affected by the recent earthquake is ongoing, with consolidated figures expected to be available soon.

When asked about the timeline for this data, she said that the agency, together with its partner offices, is working under the directive to complete the valuation “as soon as possible.”

While there is no specific schedule yet for the release of the official report, DOT-7 assured that the assessment remains a top priority, with inter-agency coordination continuing. She added that the ongoing assessment will help guide both rehabilitation efforts and fund allocation for affected tourism sites and infrastructure in Northern Cebu as well as other impacted areas.

The tourism department has also initiated an ongoing survey among accommodation establishments and local tourism offices to consolidate data on structural and operational impacts.

Despite this, Dimpas expressed optimism that Cebu’s tourism industry will gradually recover from the impacts of the recent earthquakes, emphasizing that this has been a recurring pattern in crisis response and rebuilding efforts.

Dimpas stressed that the priority now is to reassure both local and foreign tourists that Cebu remains safe and ready to welcome visitors, especially in areas unaffected by the quake.

Temporary learning spaces

In another response following the strong tremors, the Department of Education (DepEd)-7 emphasized that Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) established in earthquake-hit areas of Cebu are meant to serve as immediate and resilient solutions while waiting for the construction of permanent classrooms.

This is according to DepEd-7 Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez, who explained during the Kapihan sa PIA-7 press briefing that although these TLS are considered temporary, many of them are designed to be sturdy enough to withstand earthquakes—often more resilient than some existing multi-story school buildings that sustained damage.

Jimenez said that DepEd has pushed for additional classroom construction as a replacement for damaged buildings, with recommendations also supported by the President. To realize this plan, Jimenez said local government units (LGUs) play a vital role in assessing and addressing specific needs in their respective areas.

Based on initial data, DepEd outlined that Cebu Province alone has around 5,000 classrooms, excluding component cities—a figure expected to rise following the 6.9-magnitude quake.

Furthermore, the department is also conducting an audit of newly built but damaged structures to identify weaknesses in construction standards and ensure better quality in upcoming projects. — (FREEMAN)