ILOILO City – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is urging both local and foreign tourists in Western Visayas to take precautionary measures against the effects of the hot weather as the summer season begins.
This advisory comes in response to a warning issued by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) about the possibility of experiencing high heat index values during April and May.
“We received the warning from DOST and have already provided advisories to our tourism offices, local government units, and other tourism establishments to issue similar warnings and be prepared for the hot weather,” said DOT Region 6 director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez.
Rodriguez hopes the region does not reach extreme heat levels that could disrupt tourism activities.
“Our climate is generally good here, but of course, we want to be prepared. We’re advising tourists to stay hydrated, bring extra shirts, umbrellas, and sunscreen,” she said.
Tourists are also advised to schedule outdoor activities during cooler hours, ideally in the early morning or late afternoon.
However, Rodriguez noted that some tourists, particularly foreign visitors, prefer outdoor activities during the midday heat. In these cases, the DOT and its partnered tourism establishments are reminding tourists to stay hydrated and protect themselves from the sun.
With the hot weather, the DOT anticipates an increase in beach and inland resort visits. As a result, the DOT is strengthening its partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly through training with the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP).
“They are also there to remind tourists, especially those lounging on the beach, to stay safe, and to ensure the overall security of our visitors,” Rodriguez said.
In addition, Rodriguez reiterated the advisory to tourism establishments to ensure the presence of lifeguards and safety officers at beaches and resorts to respond promptly in case of emergencies.
The DOT expects an uptick in tourists visiting the region’s beaches from March to May, particularly as families take advantage of the vacation season.
According to DOT data, the region recorded 5,909,568 tourist arrivals in 2024, marking a 10.25% increase from 2023 and a 0.38% rise from 2019. The total number of tourist arrivals in 2024 generated an estimated P74 billion in visitor receipts, with P10.96 billion contributed by foreign and overseas Filipino tourists./PN
