Tourists advised to temporarily suspend travel to Banaue

IMPASSABLE. One of the areas affected by mudslides and flash floods in Banaue, Ifugao as of Friday (July 8, 2022). Electricity and water supply in some villages have yet to be restored. (Photo: Office of Hon. Orlando H. Addug/Facebook)

MANILA – Tourists are advised to temporarily suspend travel to Banaue after a series of mudslides and flash floods brought about by non-stop rains occurred on Thursday.

In a statement released on Friday, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said it would closely monitor developments in the vicinity and coordinate with the affected local government units and tourism stakeholders.

“Tourists are advised to temporarily suspend travel to Banaue while clearing and cleaning operations are ongoing,” it added.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco spoke to Banaue Mayor Joel Bungallon on Friday to offer immediate aid to stranded tourists and any other assistance they may need.

The department learned that a few of the 55 tourists who were initially reported stranded remain in their accommodation establishments.

“Coordination was also done with DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) for relief assistance,” it said.

No guests in the Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel, which is owned and operated by DOT infrastructure arm Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), were harmed.

A landslide eroded and carved out the side service access road of the 81-room hostel while another landslide occurred in front of the main entrance and affected the parking lot.

“No guests were harmed and cleaning is underway. However, cognizant of these damages, Secretary Frasco discussed with (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid to instruct the temporary prohibition on the use of the facility to ensure the safety of guests and personnel,” the DOT said.

TIEZA engineers from the Architecture and Engineering Service Sector, which handles the infrastructure projects of the Authority, have been deployed to Banaue.

The DOT said it has also coordinated the concern with the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Most hotels are undergoing cleaning operations after being affected by mudflows, with some establishments reporting partial damage to ripraps and water pipes.

Communication, meanwhile, remains a challenge since electricity has yet to be restored in some affected areas.

For assistance, affected tourists may reach out to the DOT-Cordillera through 0916-4899189 or 0915-6134546 or send a message to the DOT Official Facebook account.