Llocos Norte to tourists: ‘Stay indoors, avoid traveling’

LAOAG CITY -- The Ilocos Norte Tourism Office has advised all visitors to refrain from visiting Ilocos Norte’s major tourism attractions due to continuous rains and expected heavy thunderstorms over the long weekend.

In a travel advisory released Friday and addressed to all local government units and private tourism stakeholders, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Ian Raquel said such tourist spots as the Kapurpurawan rocks formation in Burgos, Malacañang of the North in Laoag, Presidential Center in Batac and other Marcos Heritage Trail facilities, Arte Luna Gallery, Pagudpud beach park, sand dunes and other governmentowned tourism facilities will be closed until further notice.

“Going to the beach and other high-risk areas for swimming, hiking and trekking are also not recommended as of this time,” Raquel said.

He also appealed for the postponement of travel plans by air or by land until the weather clears.

As of this posting, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported that all national roads and bridges are passable, except the landslideprone TagudinCervantes road in Ilocos Sur.

Only one lane is also passable at the PiniliNueva Era road in Barangay Liliputen, and the Ilocos NorteApayao road due to landslide and eroded road shoulder.

The Pias-CurrimaoPaoay-Balacad road is also underwater by 0.20 meter to 0.25 meter in Barangay Paratong and San Juan in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

Meanwhile, classes in the college level and graduate school, including work in public and private offices, remain suspended on Saturday.