Davao’s Tourism Response, Ensuring Safety and Supporting Affected Workers, Here’s All You Need to Know

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Davao City – After observing the recent doublet earthquakes in Davao Oriental, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Davao region, is ensuring the safety of tourists and local workers. For the department, the damage assessments and support to recovery in the region’s coastal tourism Davao Oriental focus area is urgent, considering the tourism sites in the impacted area.

As communicated during the October 23, 2025, briefing and follow-ups, the department engages to impacted local government units (LGUs) tourism offices to assess the effect on the local tourism economy. The absences of impacts rationalizing to closure increases the risk of exposure to tourist and tourism workers, while increasing the likelihood of negative economic impacts in the area.

Impact of Earthquakes on Davao’s Coastal Tourism

The recent doublet earthquakes that struck the region caused significant disruptions in Davao Oriental, one of the most popular coastal tourism areas in the region. These natural disasters impacted a number of beach resorts and coastal tourism establishments that are essential to the area’s thriving tourism industry. Many tourists were displaced, and several tourism workers found themselves temporarily out of work due to the closures of affected establishments.

Despite these setbacks, the region is already on its way to recovery. Tanya Rabat-Tan assured the public that efforts to monitor and restore tourism operations have been intensifying. “We are working closely with local tourism offices and the LGUs to assess the extent of the damage and assist displaced tourists and affected workers,” she explained. “The situation is being monitored carefully, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.”

Davao Adventure Challenge: A Step Toward Recovery

Two months prior to the earthquakes, the DOT-11 launched the Davao Adventure Challenge Season 2, an initiative aimed at promoting Davao as a premier adventure tourism destination. This year-long program encourages tourists to explore the region’s natural wonders, such as Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, and other adventure tourism spots. The program was designed to bring attention to Davao’s diverse landscape, with an emphasis on responsible tourism and site safety.

In light of the recent earthquakes, the DOT has emphasized the importance of proper coordination with local tourism offices before participating in any adventure activities. Tan explained that tourists planning activities like mountain treks should consult with local tourism offices to confirm if sites are open and safe. “For example, those planning to trek Mount Apo must check with the City Tourism Office to ensure that the site is accessible and not restricted,” Tan said.

The Davao Adventure Challenge is an example of how the region is focusing on sustainable tourism, even during times of crisis. The program not only supports local businesses but also strengthens the region’s tourism identity by showcasing Davao’s natural beauty and adventure offerings.

Supporting Affected Workers and Providing Livelihood Assistance

In addition to addressing site safety and tourism operations, the DOT has also launched initiatives to support local tourism workers affected by the earthquakes. Over 2,000 tourism workers across Davao—including tour guides, boatmen, and operators—have been impacted by the disaster. The DOT, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has rolled out a program called “Bayanihan sa Bukas na may Pag-asa sa Turismo” to provide livelihood assistance to these workers.

The initiative includes livelihood training, with programs such as baking and bread-making offered to those who temporarily lost their income. This is particularly important as many workers in the tourism sector rely heavily on the influx of visitors for their livelihoods. Tan highlighted that the DOT’s partnership with DSWD-11 also includes cash aid to provide immediate relief for affected tourism workers.

“We’re focused on ensuring that those affected can access alternative livelihoods, whether through skills training or direct financial assistance,” Tan said.

In addition to livelihood support, DOT-11 has been conducting psychosocial support training in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) and the provincial government. This program aims to assist workers in managing stress and emotional trauma caused by the natural disaster, ensuring their mental well-being during the recovery process.

Tourism Activities Resume in Affected Areas

Despite the challenges posed by the earthquakes, many tourism activities in Davao are slowly returning to normal. Lovella Fe Tacder, Provincial Information Officer for Davao Oriental, confirmed that while some tourism activities had to be temporarily halted, tourism operations in Banay-Banay town have now resumed. The local government has lifted the suspension on tourism-related activities, and tourism staff has undergone additional training under the Incident Command System to ensure preparedness for future emergencies.

Randy Loy, head of the Davao de Oro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), stated that while the full extent of the earthquakes’ impact is still being assessed, no tourism activities have been suspended in the province so far. This ensures that tourism continues to contribute to the region’s economic recovery.

Davao City, meanwhile, implemented work and class suspensions following the tremors, as announced by Agnes Padinas, a representative from the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO). However, this did not severely impact tourism, and the city continues to welcome visitors while ensuring safety protocols are in place.

The Role of Local Government Units and Coordination Efforts

Coordination with local government units (LGUs) has been a cornerstone of the DOT’s recovery efforts. As tourism workers begin to return to work and sites re-open, collaboration with local tourism offices is crucial to ensuring smooth operations. Giorgi Tsintsadze, Acting Mayor of Batumi, emphasized the role of local tourism officers in assisting visitors and promoting sustainable tourism practices in light of the earthquakes.

“We continue to work closely with all concerned agencies and tourism officials to monitor and address the evolving situation,” Tsintsadze said. “By focusing on safety and support for affected individuals, we aim to strengthen Davao’s position as a prime tourism destination in the Philippines.”

Looking Ahead: A Resilient and Sustainable Tourism Future

As the tourism industry in Davao recovers from the recent earthquakes, the region remains committed to building a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector. With continued government support, livelihood assistance for workers, and a focus on safety and coordination, Davao is poised to continue attracting travelers.

The Davao Adventure Challenge and other initiatives underscore the region’s resilience and determination to promote tourism in a way that benefits both visitors and local communities. As Davao moves forward, it will undoubtedly continue to build on its reputation as a leading adventure tourism hub in Southeast Asia.

Strengthening Davao’s Tourism Industry for the Future

Davao’s tourism industry has experienced challenges due to the recent earthquakes, though the quick, organized efforts of DOT, local government units, and tourism offices have provided a glimpse of the region’s strength and coordinated resilience. With safety addressment, tourism workers have shifted to alternative livelihood activities while promotional efforts persist with events such as the Davao Adventure Challenge. Davao is showing the groundwork for a vigorous recovery. With tourism growing, Davao is poised to solidify its reputation as one of the Philippines’ premier tourism destinations, welcoming adventure-seekers and culture enthusiasts.