Manila Bulletin
Tourism czar urges tourists to visit Puerto Galera as it remains ‘unaffected’ by oil spill
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco promoted Puerto Galera as a safe and beautiful tourist destination by participating in a scuba diving activity.
She confirmed that Puerto Galera's dive sites remain unaffected by the oil spill from the sunken MT Princess Empire, which occurred on February 28.
Frasco expressed hope that her visit, along with DOT officials and Puerto Galera Mayor Rocky Ilagan, would encourage more tourists to visit.
Puerto Galera is known for its diverse scuba diving spots featuring rich marine life and shipwrecks.
Despite no oil slick in the town, Frasco noted that at least 66 tourist sites and over 1,400 tourism workers have been impacted by the oil spill.
Between April 3 and 10, 2023, Puerto Galera welcomed 18,757 tourists, with major international markets including China, South Korea, the USA, Japan, and Germany.
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The Department of Tourism (DOT) estimates a daily revenue loss of P5.3 million if Puerto Galera is closed to tourism due to an oil spill.
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Mayor Rocky Ilagan stated that Puerto Galera's municipal waters are unaffected by the oil spill, citing an April 15 report from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD).
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Water quality in Puerto Galera has declined based on four consecutive tests following the oil spill from the MT Princess Empress, Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito "Bonz" Dolor confirmed.
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The Department of Health (DOH) is not yet recommending a ban on water activities in Puerto Galera following recent water quality tests.
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