World · Philippines Bureau
DOT urges Mimaropa tourism firms to conserve water amid El Niño
The Department of Tourism has called on hospitality establishments across Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan to adopt water-saving measures as El Niño threatens regional water supplies. The advisory also emphasizes protecting guests and staff from extreme heat conditions.
LSN Philippines ·
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Department of Tourism's Mimaropa regional office has issued a directive urging all tourism establishments to implement comprehensive water conservation protocols in response to El Niño-induced water scarcity affecting the region.
Under Advisory No. 2026-10-004, the DOT has requested hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other tourism facilities across the five provinces to prioritize water-saving measures to ensure operational continuity during the dry season. The guidance reflects concerns that El Niño conditions could significantly strain already-limited water resources in island and provincial communities dependent on tourism revenue.
Beyond water management, the advisory directs establishments to implement heat mitigation strategies for both guests and employees. These measures include maintaining adequate cooling systems, providing hydration facilities, and adjusting work schedules to minimize exposure to peak heat hours.
The DOT's move underscores the tourism sector's vulnerability to climate-related disruptions and the need for proactive resource management to maintain service quality while supporting environmental sustainability across the Mimaropa region.