- Resorts closed
- Churches vacated
- Schools shut
The provincial government yesterday ordered the tourism industry to suspend operations, and the Archdiocese directed all churches and Catholic schools to remain shut following the “doublet earthquake” that struck off Manay town on Friday.
In an executive order, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang ordered all tourism and hospitality-related establishments located along coastal areas to suspend operations until safety assessments can be made.
“Tourism establishments located along the coastal zones are particularly vulnerable to aftershocks, ground instability, and potential secondary hazards such as landslides and tsunamis,” his order stated.
Tourism businesses were told that they can only resume operations upon certification of structural integrity and a safety clearance issued by the Municipal Engineering Office.
Establishments were warned of administrative sanctions, including temporary closure and revocation of permits, if they fail to comply with the order.
The provincial government stated that the twin earthquakes damaged infrastructure, posing a great risk to public safety.
According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), a total of 655 tourism workers were affected primarily by the temporary closure of establishments and cancellations of bookings.
This includes boatmen, resort staff, and related service workers.
In a statement, the DOT said it continues to monitor developments in Davao Region, advising tourists “to remain vigilant and observe all safety advisories issued by PHIVOLCS, local government units, and disaster response authorities.”
“Aftershocks may still occur in the coming days. Visitors are strongly reminded to avoid entering damaged or restricted areas until cleared by authorities,” it added.
The latest report from DOT Region XI shows no casualties or stranded tourists, but several tourism establishments in Davao Oriental sustained structural damage, the DOT noted.
Meanwhile, all buildings managed by the Catholic Church were ordered vacated until authorities declare them structurally sound.
In a circular issued Saturday, Bishop Abel Apigo of Mati stressed that safety must remain the top priority following reports of significant damage to several church and school structures across the diocese.
“I am directing all the parish priests and parish administrators, especially those that were badly hit by the earthquake, not to use the church buildings until we receive clearance from the competent and designated team from the province, city, or municipal office declaring that the buildings are safe,” he wrote.
The directive also covers all Catholic schools in the diocese, with administrators instructed to ensure that classrooms and other facilities are properly inspected before resuming classes and activities.
“Let us keep safety as our priority,” Apigo said.
While church buildings remain closed, the bishop authorized parish priests and administrators to decide where to celebrate Masses “in a dignified manner,” reminding the faithful that the Eucharist strengthens them amid trials.
As this developed, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib sought aid from the national government in repairing damaged schools.
He made the request when Cabinet secretaries Vince Dizon (Department of Public Works and Highways), Rex Gatchalian (Department of Social Welfare and Development), and Sonny Angara (Department of Education) visited the province to assess the earthquakes’ effects.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Leo Tereso Magno was also present during the meeting, which took place after an inspection of damaged infrastructure.
According to both Dizon and Angara, there are available disaster response funds that the national government can tap to assist Davao del Norte in its post-disaster activities.
The DepEd chief noted, however, that Davao del Norte took far less damage than Davao City and Davao Oriental.
“The (structural) damages here (in Davao del Norte) are minor compared to Davao City and Davao Oriental,” Angara told the Manila Standard.
