DAVAO CITY – Tour operators and insurance firms here delivered relief aid to earthquake-affected communities in Davao Oriental province on Thursday, Oct. 16, as a gesture of gratitude and solidarity.

Dubbed as Apat Dapat Caravan, the relief operation was organized by tour and travel organizations not just operating in Davao region but also in other parts of the country, said Floreces Logronio-Tadla, Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) secretary.

“As tour operators, we’ve always believed that tourism is not just about promoting destinations, it’s about taking care of the communities that make those places special,” explained Tadla.

She added that the relief operation is deeply significant for them since Davao Oriental and neighboring areas are also home of people who warmly welcome tourists.

Davao Oriental is known for its pristine white-sand beaches and natural destinations that have been attracting local and foreign tourists.

“The province and nearby areas are not only among the most beautiful travel destinations but also home to the very people who welcome our guests with warmth and hospitality,” emphasized Tadla. “Now that they are in need, it’s our turn to give back.”

Aside from DTAA, the Apat Dapat Caravan was an initiative of Philippine Travel Agencies Association, Philippine Tour Operators Association, Davao Tourism Association, Pru Life UK, and Borromeo Insurance Agency Inc.

PTAA Vice President Jaison Yang said that they have seen the need to help earthquake-hit communities.

“Even without contribution or with motivation, of course, much better, I think we feel responsible that we need to be there for each other. What I hope there are no more calamities like this,” Yang said.

Tadla acknowledged the contributions of fellow reservists and Philippine Air Force in the Davao region for providing during the preparation and delivery of the relief aid, which consisted of food and non-food items.

“For us in the tourism industry, responding to disasters is part of our calling, because tourism is built on people. The same communities that welcome our guests with smiles and stories are now the ones in need,” Tadla said. “Helping them rise again means helping our destinations recover too.”

The tour operators and insurance firms delivered 428 relief buckets and relief bags for 244 families in the remote Barangay Lamiawan in Caraga, a historic coastal town in Davao Oriental.

Caraga is an adjacent town of Manay, the epicenter of the twin powerful earthquakes.

The town is a home of Salvador del Mundo Parish, the oldest Catholic church in the country built by the Jesuits in 1884.

Pusan Point in Caraga, the easternmost point of the country, attracts local and foreign tourists who witness the first sunrise in the Philippines.

Data from the provincial government showed that as of Oct. 15, 176,906 families in the province have been affected by the twin earthquakes on Oct. 10.

Nine people were killed and 11,381 houses were damaged, 752 of which were totally destroyed.

Tadla said they are eyeing to send a second wave of relief aid, more particularly in remote barangays that could hardly get assistance.

The groups, she added, understand that it will be a long road to recovery for the earthquake survivors.

Aside from extending relief aid, Tadal said tour operators will also find means to support the livelihood of the affected communities through promotions of the tourist destinations once the situation is back to normal.

“As people who work closely with communities, we know how one disaster can disrupt not just livelihoods but their hopes and dreams, too. And many lost their sources of income,” she said.