The magnitude 7.0 earthquake the rocked Luzon cracked several churches in the country's main island while some hotels cancelled bookings, the Department of Tourism said Thursday.
Tourism Sec. Christina Frasco said she asked the department's infrastructure arm to prioritize assessment of the extent of damage to cultural teasures. She also appealed to local government units to assist those in damaged establishments.
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While no tourists were reportedly harmed, those who have travel plans to northern Luzon are told to practice extra precautions, the tourism department said in a statement.
These are the tourist spots hit by the quake, according to DOT:
Abra
Among those damaged in Abra, epicenter of the earthquake, is the Sta. Catalina de Alejadria Church, a 19th century baroque church and was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum.
The belfry of San Lorenzo Ruiz Shrine, one of the oldest churches in Abra built in the 1920s, was also damaged.
Ilocos Sur
Several ancestral houses and buildings at the UNESCO World Heritage site Vigan, known for preserving its Spanish colonial architecture, were also hit by the earthquake.
Parts of the outer wall of the Vigan cathedral cracked and collapsed, prompting authorities to temporarily close it to the public as they assess its structural integrity.
The side wall and windows of the ancestral home Syquia House also collapsed, while the Hotel Linda also sustained minor damage.
Parts of the Bantay Bell Tower in Bantay, Ilocos Sur crumbled while the façade and ceiling of St. John the Baptist Church in San Juan, Ilocos Sur were also damaged.
Ground faulting is also visible in the Sta. Ana Beach area, the DOT said.
Baguio City
The popular tourist destination felt Intensity VI (very strong) earthquake, with minor cracks reported at the Lafaayette Luxury Suites Hotel and Crown Legacy.
Ifugao
The Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel's riprap and ceiling partially collapsed, according to DOT. All bookings will be cancelled as it undergoes thorough assessment.
Mountain Province
In Bauko, the ceiling at Mt. Data Hotel's fireplace and lobby area also collapsed. Bookings here will also be cancelled as authorities assess the building.
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