The municipality of Atok, Benguet has reopened its tourism activities even as farmers continue to work on recovering their vegetable and flower farms.
Mayor Franklin Smith announced on Friday that the suspension of tourism operations has been lifted, which he believed could help residents recover following the devastation caused by the recent super typhoon.
“We are lifting the suspension of tourism activities today. We will resume accepting tourists and visitors because this will also allow our residents to recover from the devastation brought by the super typhoon,” he said in a media interview.
Most of the residents, he said, rely on agriculture, whether growing vegetables, tending flower farms, or participating in agri-tourism.
Atok was heavily affected in terms of livelihood but no recorded fatalities.
Popular tourist spots in Atok, such as the Northern Blossom Flower Garden, the Sakura Farm, and other scenic attractions, are currently being cleaned and repaired.
‘We are still cleaning and fixing the gardens and the different destinations,” he said.
Once known primarily as an agricultural area, Atok has grown into a favored destination for experiential tourism through its gardens and highland farms.
Smith said many parts of the town remain without electricity, which affects greenhouses that depend on power to regulate plant growth and flowering.
Despite the setbacks, he said residents are committed to continuing food and flower production alongside providing a relaxing experience for tourists.
Tourism activities were initially suspended as a precaution before the landfall of Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong), since most attractions are located outdoors. (PNA)