Frasco: At least P5.3M daily loss if Puerto Galera will be shut down

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Tuesday at least P5.3 million would be lost on a daily basis if Puerto Galera would be closed amid the recent oil spill in Oriental Mindoro.

"Should Puerto Galera be closed to tourism, there's a projected loss of no less than at least P5.3 million a day," Frasco said in a Palace press briefing, noting that as of now, the tourist destination continues to be open to tourists.

Citing provincial data, the DOT chief said the impact of the oil spill in the province's tourism industry was already at more or less P900 million.

"The impact of the oil spill to the province in general, according to the statistics of the provincial tourism office, is no less than a little P900 million. That we perceived with great concern, especially if you add to that any losses that may incur to Puerto Galera should there be any perceptions of the oil spill having reached Puerto Galera," she explained.

Frasco noted that Puerto Galera is a top-rated destination in Oriental Mindoro, which accounts for 85% of the tourism economy of the province.

She earlier joined a scuba diving activity in La Laguna Point, Puerto Galera to show support to the popular local diving spot.

The Tourism chief said her recent visit to the town was also to encourage more tourists to visit Puerto Galera.

MT Princess Empress was carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank due to strong waves in Oriental Mindoro on February 28. All the 20 people on board were rescued.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the motor tanker sank 400 meters into the ocean, which was too deep for divers to reach.—AOL, GMA Integrated News