DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 18 June 2026) — The provincial government of Davao Occidental, severely impacted by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on June 8, has ordered the temporary suspension of all tourism-related activities. Governor Franklin Bautista signed Executive Order No. 28 on June 17, effective immediately and until further notice, halting all tourism-related activities, events, and programs within the province. The suspension includes diving, snorkeling, island hopping, marine tours, watersports, mountain climbing, hiking, camping, and other activities restricted by local authorities. The order also covers tourism events organized or supported by the Provincial Government, Provincial Tourism Office, Municipal Tourism Offices, and partner organizations. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) recommended declaring a state of calamity to facilitate immediate response and recovery measures. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan declared the entire province under a state of calamity on June 9. Governor Bautista emphasized the need to ensure the safety of residents, visitors, tourists, and tourism workers, suspending activities to prevent exposure to hazards like aftershocks, structural damage, and geological risks. He also ordered the temporary closure of hazardous tourism sites, including attractions, beach resorts, dive sites, mountain trails, and tourism facilities, pending inspection and clearance. The PDRRMO, Provincial Tourism Office, Municipal Tourism Offices, MDRRMOs, and engineering offices are tasked with conducting safety inspections, hazard assessments, and damage evaluations of affected sites. (Yas D. Ocampo / MindaNews)
