The Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) in Alaminos City, Pangasinan is welcoming tourists for the long weekend after the devastation brought by Typhoon Emong.
City Tourism Officer Miguel Sison, in a phone interview on Thursday, said the damage caused by the typhoon to facilities in the tourist spot has been repaired.
“There are damaged tables, tiles, including the glass windows and doors in the guest houses and retreat house, so we do not yet accommodate overnight stay, but the swimming and other water activities and ziplines are available for the tourists to enjoy,” he said.
Sison said after the onslaught of “Emong” on July 24, recovery and rehabilitation began immediately, and they were able to get back to operation on Aug. 1 with tourists already coming in.
The city government prioritized road clearing and power restoration in the central business district, where most of the accommodations are situated, so as not to disrupt tourism.
Toppled trees and power lines resulted in power interruption and even communication disruption, but Sison said these are now addressed in most parts of the city.
Since then, he said, tourist arrivals average at 400 to 550 individuals daily.
“Most are balikbayans and foreigners,” he said.
He assured tourists that they would get a worthwhile experience in the HINP.
“We are open seven days a week. As far as swimming and other activities are concerned, there is no problem. New destinations are open for the island tour, and we will do our very best to accommodate you,” Sison said.
Among the newest additions to the island tour is the visit to the Bonsai Garden, where hundreds of bonsai plants are located, including the Our Lady of the Assumption statue, and a chapel.
Sison said they have recorded 287, 575 tourist arrivals from January to August 19 this year.
The peak of arrivals was during the Holy Week and weeks after the Lenten season, or from April to May.
The average number of guests was 1,000 daily and a record of 4,000 on one of the weekends. (PNA)