Hotels in Northern Mindanao Fully Booked for Lenten Season, Camiguin Tops Reservations

The Department of Tourism (DOT) 10 (Northern Mindanao) has announced that most major hotels and resorts in the region are fully booked for the upcoming Lenten season. The announcement was made by DOT-10 Director Marie Elaine Unchuan during a press briefing held recently. She revealed that even resorts with accommodations are fully booked in the first week of April, in time for the Holy Week.

Camiguin Leads the Way

According to Unchuan, Camiguin had the most reservations as the island province is host to the annual "Panaad," where Catholic faithful visit churches and pray the Stations of the Cross. She said the influx is expected in Camiguin, especially with the launch of its tourism slogan "Isle Be There," and the easing of coronavirus disease 2019 restrictions for island visitors.

"Hinuklog" Cancelled

Unchuan, however, mentioned that the performance of the "Hinuklog" in Medina town, Misamis Oriental would not take place this year due to the local government's constraints. "Hinuklog" is an annual Holy Week event that highlights a street performance depicting the last days of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion and resurrection.

Job Fair for Displaced Tourism Workers

Meanwhile, the DOT-10, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, has facilitated a job fair, offering more than 2,000 vacancies in the tourism industry. "This is a major project of DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco to be able to help displaced workers and potential tourism workers to avail of jobs in the industry in one setting," Unchuan said. The job fair will be held from March 30 to 31, with 70 employers looking for fresh hires.

With the onset of the Lenten season, the Northern Mindanao region, particularly Camiguin, is expected to welcome a surge of tourists, despite the ongoing pandemic. While the cancellation of the "Hinuklog" may disappoint some visitors, the job fair offers an opportunity for those in need of employment.

FAQs

1. What is the Panaad in Camiguin?
• The Panaad is an annual event in Camiguin where Catholic faithful visit churches and pray the Stations of the Cross.
2. Why are hotels and resorts in Northern Mindanao fully booked during the Lenten season?
• The Lenten season is a time when many Filipinos go on vacation, particularly to religious destinations like Camiguin.
3. What is "Hinuklog"?
• "Hinuklog" is an annual Holy Week event in Medina town, Misamis Oriental, that features a street performance depicting the last days of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion and resurrection.
4. Why was "Hinuklog" cancelled this year?
• The local government in Medina town cited constraints for the cancellation of the event this year.
5. What is the job fair for displaced tourism workers?
• The job fair, facilitated by the DOT-10 in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, offers more than 2,000 vacancies in the tourism industry and aims to help displaced workers and potential tourism workers avail of jobs in the industry in one setting.