FILE PHOTO: The fine sand of Puerto Galera serves as a tourist magnet but also attracts violators of environmental laws and easement rules. INQUIRER/MADONNA T. VIROLA
MANILA, Philippines — Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco said Tuesday that at least P5.3 million in revenue per day is projected to be lost if authorities decide to close Puerto Galera for tourism due to the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro.
Frasco said Puerto Galera is the “top-rated” destination in Oriental Mindoro and accounts for 85% of the tourism economy in the province.
READ: Mindoro town to sue ‘irresponsible’ groups over oil spill
She added that Puerto Galera saw P500 million in tourism receipts in terms of international arrivals as of 2022. At its peak, it could rake in as much as P1.2 billion in tourism revenue.
“The most important thing right now, as far as tourism [is] concerned, is to really ensure the continued viability of Puerto Galera as a tourism destination, considering that no less than 11,000 tourism workers depend on the industry continuing to be open,” Frasco said in a Palace briefing.
“According to statistics, should Puerto Galera be closed, there is a projected loss of P5.3 million a day,” she added.
The DOT chief said they are working closely with concerned sectors to allow smooth coordination between the national government and the local governments of Oriental Mindoro and Puerto Galera.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources earlier reported that only nine of the 35 sampling stations in Puerto Galera met the criteria for water quality guidelines on oil and grease.
With this, the Department of Health (DOH) advised the public to “exercise caution” and refrain from consuming water from affected areas when conducting water-related occupational and recreational activities.
“The public is also advised to avoid consumption of contaminated fish, shellfish, and other seafood products,” the DOH also said in a statement.
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