Cebu Earthquake Wrecks Heritage Churches, Strands Tourists: What Travellers Need to Know

If you’re planning to fly to Cebu soon, brace yourself. The magnitude 6.9 earthquake that rocked the province this week has left a trail of damaged heritage sites, shuttered churches, and disrupted travel plans. Tourism officials admit recovery will take more than a year, maybe even until 2028, so expect changes in itineraries.

Here’s what’s currently off-limits or heavily damaged:

• San Vicente Ferrer Shrine in Bogo City – severe damage

• Sta. Rosa de Lima Shrine in Daanbantayan – heavily damaged coral stone church

• San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in Medellin – major damage

• San Isidro Labrador Church in Tabogon – facade and roof collapsed

• Peter and Paul Parish in Bantayan – partial damage

• Capelinha de Fatima Replica in San Remigio – severe structural damage

• Plus several chapels across San Remigio, Tabogon, Compostela, Catmon, Danao, and Borbon

• Even Fort San Pedro, one of Cebu’s top heritage landmarks, has sustained damage.

It’s not just the sites. According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), at least 1,133 tourism workers in Cebu have been affected, including resort staff, tour guides, boatmen, and dive shop crews. Across the wider region, damage was reported in 80 tourism establishments, 21 tourist sites, and 36 accommodation facilities.

Also read: Marcelo Fernan Bridge Cebu Stands Strong After 2025 Earthquake

Image credit: Vatican News

Travellers were also caught in the chaos. At least 15 tourists were stranded in northern Cebu, including foreigners, though many have since been assisted and relocated. Some visitors even decided to extend their stay in Bantayan until ferries resume normal trips.

The DOT has already rolled out relief assistance and loans for small tourism businesses, while also converting tourist rest areas in Medellin and Carmen into 24/7 donation hubs.

For those with upcoming Cebu trips, officials advise:

• Stay alert and keep your phones and power banks charged.

• Avoid mountain areas and coastlines for now. Aftershocks and landslides have been reported, and seawater recession prompted evacuations in some towns.

• Expect power and signal interruptions in northern Cebu.

Also read: One Visayas Circuit: What It Is and How to Get It

Cebu remains open, but the experience will be very different. Heritage tours will be limited and some areas are off-limits, but your trip can still help. Supporting local workers and small businesses is one way to keep tourism alive as the province recovers.

Featured Image credit: Vatican News