MT. PINATUBO TRAVEL ADVISORY
NO. 01-2013
The recent spate of untoward incidents that has occurred in and
around the crater of Mt. Pinatubo demonstrates a dire need for the
Department of Tourism – Region 3 Office to issue its own travel advisory
relating to the safety and security of foreign and local tourists
aiming to venture into a lahar-laden landscape.
This advisory hereby serves as a WARNING to all tourists who intend
to mount an uphill climb to crater of Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales via the
jump-off point in Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac that the serene yet
crystal blue lake thereat is meant to be a glorious and majestic vista
to behold only to be charmed by its natural beauty; never to be treated
like a resort playground for swimming, kayaking or aqua cycling. The
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has determined that
the Pinatubo crater lake water which contains hazardous substances such
as arsenic (As), alluminum (Al), boron (BO), chloride (Cl), iron (Fe),
manganese (Mn), sulphate (SO4) and total solids (TDS) may affect the
human health in various ways and may become fatal over an extended
period of time. Tourists are forewarned never to stay close to the
lakeshore as this poses a potential threat to one’s life due mainly to
frequent occurrences of rock falls and landslides, especially during
heavy downpour.
Further, any development in the area should be low impact, provide
economic benefits, promote environmental protection, provide education
to tourists, and encourage the full participation of the local
communities as subscribed by Phivolcs in its most recent travel
advisory.
After a physically stressful 2-hour trek, tourists are advised,
instead, to lie down and rest awhile; if possible, say a little prayer
before the deity of our indigenous brothers in the uplands called Apu
Malyari.
For the guidance of all concerned.
Issued this 4th day of January 2013, Angeles City, Philippines.
Email cast by:
Department of Tourism - Region III (Central Luzon)
Paskuhan Village, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
Phone: (63 45) 961-2612 / 5617 / 625-8525
Email:
celtour@yahoo.com
Recipient (Best Ecotourism Project - Mt. Pinatubo): PATA Gold Intl Award 2001, Kalakbay Natl Award 2001, ASEANTA Intl Award 2002
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