Department of Tourism (DOT) - Bicol Regional Director Herbie Aguas assured on Tuesday, June 13, that Albay remains open to tourists even though Mayon Volcano shows increased volcanic activities.
However, Aguas stressed that tourists must remain in 'safe sites' outside the six-kilometer danger zone around Mayon Volcano.
"Basta labas lang talaga doon sa six-kilometer danger zone ay safe naman," Aguas said during DZRH's Dos Por Dos.
Aguas also explained that threat of an eruption forced the temporary closure of the Mayon Skyline, and a ban on certain activities, including riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) near the volcano.
"Yung ATV natin ay kinasel na muna natin ang operations kasi papunta sa malapit sa Mayon. Talagang medyo delikado para sa mga turista, mga bumibisita," Aguas said.
"Temporary closed yung Mayon Skyline, yung nasa Tabaco, kasi talagang nasa kalagitnaan na siya ng Mayon Volcano at talagang pasok doon sa six kilometer danger zone," he added.
Aguas admitted that the possible hazardous eruption of Mayon Volcano affected not only the tourism in Albay but all the provinces in the whole Bicol Region.
The DOT official stressed that Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and Masbate remain unaffected by the volcanic activities in Mt. Mayon.
"Yung iba nag-cancel ng bookings sa Bicol. Akala kasi nila kapag sinabing Mayon ay buong Bicol," Aguas said.
Aguas extended an invitation for tourists to witness the natural fireworks, and the beautiful fury of Mt. Mayon, which he described as a once in a lifetime experience.
The local province of Albay has placed the province under state of calamity after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised Alert Level 3 over Mayon Volcano.
