Sea travel and tourism activities in Siquijor are gradually returning to normal, following the onslaught of Tino and Uwan, which affected parts of the Visayas, and disrupted local operations.
‘Tino’ and ‘Uwan’ brought strong winds and heavy rains prompting the suspension of sea travel and temporary closure of several ports across the country.
The storms caused localized flooding, power interruptions, and the temporary shutdown of tourism establishments, particularly in island provinces, such as Siquijor.
Sea travel to and from the province has now resumed, and several resorts and tourism establishments have reopened after temporary closures during the storms.
Power and communication services, which were affected by fuel shortages and travel disruptions, were also being restored.
Despite the challenges, local business owners said they are working to continue serving both residents and visitors.
“Nagmalipayon ako karon kay nahupa na ang bagyo, back to normal na, balik na ang operation kay gahapon sa bagyo, close gyud mi tanang branches. So karon nalipay ko kay daghan kaayong stranded ganina nga mga visitors, mga tourists, nga na cater gyud sila, nakakaon sila tanan diri, puno ang mga biyahe, back to normal na gyud ang Siquijor (I’m happy now that the typhoons have passed. Operations are back to normal. Yesterday, we had to close all branches, but today we were able to serve the many stranded visitors and tourists. The place was full, and sea trips resumed. Siquijor is truly back to normal),” Josephine Borromeo Chan, owner of Jainin’s Café and Jainin’s Bistro, said Nov. 12.
“Nagpasalamat ko nga wala na’y bagyo kay nakabalik na mi sa among pagpaninda karong gabhiuna. Unta magpadayon na ni nga wala na’y bagyo pohon (I’m thankful the storm has passed because we’re back to selling again. I hope this continues and that there won’t be more storms soon),” Jesebel Limit Arong of the Siquijor Baywalk Cooperative said.
The Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Ports Authority said most vessels have resumed regular trips to and from Siquijor, Dumaguete, Cebu, and Tagbilaran.
Local officials said the province continues to recover as it works to revive tourism and support economic activity following the typhoons. | PIA
