The Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed widespread disruption in Central Visayas’ tourism sector following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on September 30, affecting more than 700 workers and forcing the closure of dozens of heritage sites, resorts, and cultural institutions.
In its Public Advisory No. 2, the DOT reported that at least 711 tourism workers-from hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, and transport services-have seen their employment and income disrupted.
Eighty tourism establishments were directly affected, with damage ranging from minor cracks to total collapse.
Among the hardest-hit sites is the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, which suffered 70 to 80 percent structural loss. San Isidro Labrador Church in Tabogon collapsed at the façade and roof, while Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Bantayan sustained partial damage to its heritage structure. San Francisco de Asis Parish in Balamban reported cracks and fallen statues.
In San Remigio, the Capelinha de Fatima Replica was severely damaged, while San Juan Nepomuceno Parish recorded ceiling damage, wall cracks, and fallen images. San Ignacio de Loyola Church in Medellin reported a full ceiling collapse. The Ala Mercedes Golf Course was rendered inoperable, and the Medellin Tourist Rest Area sustained roof and wall damage, including an A/C collapse.
In Bantayan Island, the Bontay Walk in Madridejos was closed due to damaged footbricks.
In Cebu City, cultural institutions including Museo Sugbo, Casa Gorordo, the Kabilin Center, the National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu, and the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House suspended operations pending inspection.
In Bohol, Hinagdanan Cave and the National Museum-Tagbilaran have been closed for safety assessment.
Accommodation facilities were also affected. Nustar in Cebu City reported severe damage, including a collapsed canopy and wall breaches, prompting the evacuation of 337 guests. Bayfront Hotel Cebu – North Reclamation sustained partial floor damage from the sixth to tenth floors. Radisson Blu reported hairline cracks in its ballroom and lobby, though guest rooms remained unaffected.
In northern Cebu, several resorts in San Remigio-including Pofer Beach Resort, Maayo San Remigio, Siete Beach Resort, Hagnaya Beach Resort, Orongan Beach Resort, and Sonrisa de Playa-ceased operations due to moderate to severe damage. San Remigio Beach Club remains under inspection. Ogtong Cave Resort in Bantayan was also closed due to rockfalls. In Bogo and Medellin, Northhomes Pensione and Woody’s Beach Resort were shuttered due to structural damage.
DOT-7 has deployed field teams to assist affected establishments and distribute medical kits and drinking water.
Of the 15 tourists initially reported stranded, eight were relocated to Cebu City, while six chose to remain in Bantayan Island until ferry services resume. One foreign guest in Bogo City is receiving direct assistance from DOT personnel.
In the Negros Island Region, light to moderate shaking was recorded in several towns, with the strongest tremors felt in Murcia, Negros Occidental. Minor incidents such as fallen objects and cracked plaster were noted. In Siquijor, coastal towns including Larena, San Juan, and Lazi reported Intensity III to IV tremors.
The DOT said it continues to coordinate with LGUs, disaster response teams, and tourism stakeholders to ensure traveler safety and expedite restoration efforts.