PROVINCIAL Governor Franklin P. Bautista has issued an executive order temporarily suspending all tourism-related activities, events, and operations across Davao Occidental following the Magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck offshore Maasim, Sarangani, on June 8.
Bautista released Executive Order No. 28, Series of 2026, signed on June 17, to take effect immediately and remain in force until further notice.
“There is a need to temporarily suspend tourism-related activities and events to prevent exposure to potential hazards arising from aftershocks, structural damage, geological risks, and other disaster-related threats,” the order stated.
The order covers diving, freediving, snorkeling, and other underwater tourism activities; island-hopping and marine tours; watersports including surfing, kayaking, and jet skiing; and mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, camping, and eco-adventure activities.
Other tourism facilities such as beach resorts, dive sites, and mountain trails identified as potentially hazardous are likewise ordered closed pending safety inspection and clearance.
The order also suspends or recommends postponing tourism events organized, sponsored, or facilitated by the provincial government, the Provincial Tourism Office, Municipal Tourism Offices, and partner organizations, until safety conditions permit.
To note, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s adoption of Resolution No. 45, Series of 2026 on June 9 placed the entire province under a State of Calamity.
Under the order, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), in coordination with the Provincial Tourism Office, Municipal Tourism Offices, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, and engineering offices, shall conduct safety inspections, hazard assessments, and damage evaluations of tourism facilities and infrastructure before operations may resume.
All local government units, tourism establishments, resort and tour operators, and other stakeholders are directed to comply with the order.
As of June 17, Wednesday, the provincial government recorded a total of 82 barangays affected by the quake, in the municipalities of Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, and Sarangani, recording about 36,146 affected families.
The municipalities of Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani are also placed under a state of calamity due to the earthquake’s adverse effects.
The provincial government, through PDRRMO and partner agencies, continues to provide essential assistance to communities, such as food packs and other non-food items.
The PDRRMO advised groups and other organizations intending to deliver relief goods to proceed to the emergency operations center located at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, Barangay Lais, Malita, Davao Occidental, for orientation before deployment to ensure orderly delivery.
