More than 4,000 tourism workers were affected by the earthquake

Mitchell L. Palaobasanon – the free man

November 2, 2025 | 12:00 am

CEBU, Philippines – At least 4,063 tourism workers in northern Cebu were affected to varying degrees by the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT)-7, prompting the agency to certify them for emergency cash assistance under the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

According to Jelena Assis Dembas, Regional Director-in-Charge (OIC) of DOT-7, most of the affected individuals come from host communities and accommodation establishments in tourist sites that have experienced varying degrees of damage.

“These are tourism workers who were directly affected by the disturbance, either their workplaces were damaged or their operations are limited due to the earthquake,” Dempas said in a press conference.

“Even those who are not severely physically affected but are unable to return to normal working conditions are on our list,” she added.

The 4,063 affected workers are concentrated in northern Cebu, the area most affected by the earthquake that occurred on September 30, 2025, which was followed by strong tremors that lasted for weeks.

DOT-7 has already certified their names to DSWD for immediate processing of the said assistance.

While post-earthquake assessments of infrastructure and heritage sites continue, DOT-7 reiterated that the well-being of tourism workers remains a top priority in its recovery plan.

“We are working closely with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other partner agencies to ensure affected workers receive the assistance they need while the industry is gradually rebuilt,” Dempas said.

According to her, this assistance forms part of the Department of Tourism's broader response and recovery program, which also includes coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Archdiocese of Cebu to rehabilitate heritage sites and tourism facilities.

Demps said the administration has intensified relief, assessment and restoration efforts for tourism communities affected by the recent earthquake in Cebu, working closely with other national agencies, local government units and private sector partners.

She added that the assessment of damage to tourism infrastructure in Cebu and neighboring provinces affected by the recent earthquake is ongoing, and consolidated figures are expected to be available soon.

When asked about the timeline for these data, she said the agency, along with its partner offices, is working under the guidance to complete the assessment “as soon as possible.”

While there is no specific timeline yet for the release of the official report, DOT-7 emphasized that the evaluation remains a top priority, with ongoing interagency coordination. She added that the ongoing assessment will help guide rehabilitation efforts and allocate funds to damaged tourism sites and infrastructure in northern Cebu as well as other affected areas.

The Tourism Department has also initiated an ongoing survey among accommodation establishments and local tourism offices to consolidate data on structural and operational impacts.

Despite this, Dempas expressed optimism that Cebu's tourism industry will gradually recover from the effects of the recent earthquakes, stressing that this has been a recurring pattern in crisis response and rebuilding efforts.

Demps stressed that the priority now is to reassure both local and foreign tourists that Cebu remains safe and ready to welcome visitors, especially in areas that were not affected by the earthquake.

Temporary learning spaces

In another response following the strong tremors, the Department of Education (DepEd)-7 confirmed that the Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) established in earthquake-affected areas in Cebu are intended to serve as immediate and flexible solutions while waiting for the construction of permanent classrooms.

This is according to DepEd-7 Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez, who explained during the press conference held at Kapihan sa PIA-7 that although TLS are considered temporary, many of them are designed to be strong enough to withstand earthquakes — and are often more resilient than some of the existing multi-story school buildings that sustained damage.

Jimenez said DepEd pushed to build more classrooms as replacements for damaged buildings, with the president also supporting the recommendations. To achieve this plan, Jimenez said local government units play a vital role in assessing and addressing the specific needs in their areas.

Based on preliminary data, DepEd explained that Cebu province alone has about 5,000 classrooms, excluding its component cities — a number that is expected to rise after the 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

Moreover, the department also conducts audit of newly built but damaged structures to identify weaknesses in construction standards and ensure better quality in upcoming projects. — (Freeman)

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