Atok Reopens Tourist Sites as Community Pushes Toward Post-Uwan Recovery

Lifestyle | Tourism Posted on 2025-11-14 17:50:52

BAGUIO CITY — The municipality of Atok in Benguet has reopened its tourism activities even as farmers and residents continue efforts to rehabilitate damaged vegetable and flower farms following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong).

Mayor Franklin Smith announced on Friday that the suspension of tourism operations has been lifted, expressing confidence that reopening the sector will support the community’s overall recovery.

“We are lifting the suspension of tourism activities today. We will resume accepting tourists and visitors because this will also allow our residents to recover from the devastation brought by the super typhoon,” he said in a media interview.

While agriculture remains the main source of livelihood for most residents—whether in vegetable production, flower farming, or agri-tourism—Atok sustained extensive livelihood damage but recorded no fatalities.

Well-known attractions such as the Northern Blossom Flower Garden, Sakura Farm, and other scenic sites are undergoing cleanup and repairs. “We are still cleaning and fixing the gardens and the different destinations,” Smith noted.

Originally recognized as a purely agricultural municipality, Atok has steadily developed into a popular highland tourism destination, drawing visitors to its gardens, farms, and cool-climate experiences.

Smith added that several areas in the town remain without electricity, which poses challenges for greenhouses that rely on power to regulate plant growth and flowering. Despite this, he said residents remain determined to continue food and flower production while welcoming tourists seeking a refreshing mountain escape.

Tourism activities were initially suspended as a safety precaution ahead of Uwan’s landfall, as most attractions are located outdoors.

NPO News Team | PNA-PR

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