The Department of Tourism in Central Luzon has issued a travel advisory in relation to “recent spate of untoward incidents” that occurred in and around Mt. Pinatubo’s crater. Some of these incidents are reported accidents of tourists and warnings of hazardous substances in the crater’s lake.
Foreign and local tourists are urged to take extra precaution in their trek to the world famous volcano.
The advisory serves as a warning to all visitors who intend to trek to Mt. Pinatubo’s crater via the jump-off point in Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac.
It is also noted that the lake is meant to be appreciated and not treated as a playground for water sports and various activities. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has determined that the crater’s lake water contains hazardous substances such as arsenic (As), aluminum (Al), boron (BO), chloride (Cl), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), sulphate (SO4) and total solids (TDS) may affect the human health in various ways and may become fatal over an extended period of time.
Other warnings indicated:
Tourists should not stay close to the lakeshore for there are frequent occurrences of rock falls and landslides, especially during heavy downpour.
Any development in the area should be low impact, provide economic benefits, promote environmental protection, provide education to tourists, and encourage the full participation of the local communities
After the physically demanding 2 hour trek, tourists are advised to lie down and rest; if possible, sa a prayer before the deity of indigenous brothers in the uplands called Apu Malyari.
Photos from: sssip.wordpress.com
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