DoT backs Pinatubo tourism pause – BusinessWorld Online
THE Department of Tourism (DoT) on Sunday urged visitors and stakeholders to comply with the suspension of tourism-related activities at Mt. Pinatubo ordered by the local government of Botolan.
“The DoT acknowledges the significant role that Mt. Pinatubo plays in the local tourism industry and fully supports the actions taken by the Botolan local government unit under Mayor Jun Omar C. Ebdane,” it said in an advisory.
“Likewise, the department puts utmost consideration on the concerns raised by the five Aeta clans from Capas, Tarlac, during a recent consultative session organized by the DoT Central Luzon Office and various stakeholders,” it added.
A social media post recently gained attention online about locals barricading the road in protest of commercial tourism at the volcano.
Under Executive Order No. 05 issued by the Botolan local government, all tourism-related activities, programs and projects at Mt. Pinatubo are suspended until further notice starting May 2. — Justine Irish D. Tabile