The province of La Union is welcoming back tourists as most of the tourism establishments have recovered from the devastation brought by Typhoon Emong.

“There is a little bit of devastation here, but there are a lot of establishments that have already recovered and are ready to serve. We are concerned about the security of the tourists, but by this time, we are more than prepared, and the people are more prepared for them to come and do it again,” Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega said in a phone interview on Thursday afternoon.

He said some restaurants and other tourism establishments opened a week or two after the typhoon, and 50 percent to 60 percent in the province are now operational.

Road-clearing operations were prioritized to ensure free traffic flow in the delivery of services and assistance.

Ortega said almost all the areas within the town proper and the resorts have been energized.

The province is known for its surfing spots, resorts, and restaurants.

Electricity and poor communication signals have been a problem in the first weeks after the typhoon.

“Sometimes, the signal is low because there are affected cell sites. Aside from that, the orientation of their antennas or what. There are a lot of things that we have learned after the typhoon passed us, like in communication. I think we have to improve another means of communication,” he said.

Ortega said they are eyeing to pass an ordinance that would require telecommunication companies to have a standby generator on their cell sites.

“Now, we have other cell sites that have a gen set. Those are still in use. But those without gen set, definitely, they will not be functioning as well as they would. During the emergency, we cannot afford to have a breakdown of our communication. Especially, for example, the citizens. We need to provide assistance and all that,” he said.

He estimated the typhoon’s damage to the province’s tourism industry at PHP215 million.

When asked about tourist arrivals recently, he said, “Well, of course, not that many, right? Not like before. But usually during weekends, you can still see people coming.”

Ortega said the surfing break, one of the anticipated annual tourism events in the province, set for October, is still on schedule.

“If ever there are slated activities, I think they would go on, unless the area was totally devastated or needs big repair. But I doubt. Anyway, it’s still mid-August. So, I think we will have enough time to dig into it. Unless there are other typhoons that will come, hopefully not,” he said.

Ortega thanked the groups and individuals who helped and continue to extend support to the province.

“Because you know, if you are at your lowest, and there are people lending a hand to push you back up to your feet – thank you very much to them. I hope there will be more companies like that and people who will help us. To them, I want to express my heartfelt thanks,” he said.

La Union recorded 251,891 tourists from January to July this year. (PNA)