Ilocos Norte closes heritage sites as quake infra damage hits P20M

PHOTO: Museo Ilocos Norte facebook page

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte —The Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) said heritage sites in the province were closed on Wednesday, Oct. 26, as damage assessment continues following the magnitude 6.4 earthquake that struck Tuesday, Oct. 25.

In an initial report, the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRMC) said that among the sites which sustained damage from the quake were the famous Cape Bojeador in Burgos town, the Malacañang of the North, and the Paoay Ruins, both in Paoay town.

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These spots will remain closed until further notice, the INTO said.

“We advise visitors to take proper precautions and be constantly alert at all times,” added INTO.

Partial cost of infrastructure damage, including road and bridges, and other buildings, reached at least P20,950,000 so far, the PDRRMC said.

On Wednesday, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo arrived in Ilocos Norte to oversee the relief operations for quake-hit residents.

Tulfo said that a P20 million standby fund and 10,000 food packs were prepared for distribution in the province.

/MUF