Tamaraw waterfalls in Oriental Mindoro (Contributed photos by Jojo Matienzo)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) said that despite the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro, there are still many tourist destinations for those visiting the province.
This follows the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) finding that only nine out of 35 sites in Puerto Galera passed water quality standards.
READ: DOH: Only 9 of 35 sites in Puerto Galera pass water quality standards
“Amid concerns on water quality in certain areas of Puerto Galera, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco advises tourists that aside from swimming and water sports, the popular destination in Oriental Mindoro also hosts a wealth of tourist attractions that they can enjoy, and the Province itself has a number of other nature-based destinations as well,” said the DOT in a statement on Friday.
Some of the natural attractions that the DOT cited include Mt. Malasimbo, Tamaraw waterfalls, Puerto Galera Mangrove Conservation and Ecotourism Area, and the Mangyan Village.
“Additionally, there are other cities and municipalities in Oriental Mindoro that also have a wide range of tourism offerings that await visitors,” said the DOT.
Tamaraw waterfalls in Oriental Mindoro (Contributed photos by Jojo Matienzo)
The DOT listed the following Oriental Mindoro sights that tourists can visit:
- Infinity Farm in Baco
- Calapan City
- Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark
- Oriental Mindoro Heritage Museum
“Go walking, biking, or jogging around Naujan Lake; trek to Talon Falls or see the famed heritage houses in Pola; and go on a culinary tour in Pinamalayan,” encouraged the DOT.
“We wish to highlight the plethora of offerings that this beautiful town and Province has to offer particularly to nature lovers and adventure seekers,” said Frasco.
Frasco reiterated that the DOT refers to the DENR and DOH in making science-based recommendations regarding operations in Puerto Galera. She said however, that the needs of tourism stakeholders must also be addressed.
“In addressing the needs of tourism stakeholders, we look not only at the primary tourism enterprises but also the secondary enterprises as well as the entire tourism value chain involved including all of the informal and indirect employment generated in the areas such as, for example, the vendors, the boat men, the pasalubong makers, the dive shops, divers, among others, said Frasco.
Local livelihood in Oriental Mindoro had been affected by the oil spill that began on February 28, when the MT Princess Empress sank with 800,000 liters of oil.