131 establishments in Tagaytay reopen 13 days after Taal eruption

More than 100 establishments have reopened in Tagaytay as cleanup efforts bring the ash-covered city back to business nearly two weeks after the January 12 Taal Volcano eruption.

At least 131 business establishments are back to serve tourists and residents of Tagaytay, according to a report by GMA News' Sandra Aguinaldo on Saturday's Balitanghali Weekend.

Reopened businesses include restaurants, hotels, and bed and breakfast establishments.

However, the city government admitted that the general public still hesitate to visit the popular destination.

Data from the Department of Tourism shows that one million tourists visited Tagaytay in 2018.

However, the smooth flow of traffic in the city's roads indicates that business activities have not been back to normal.

"Nararamdaman naman namin bumabalik na, like 'yung mga nagde-deliver ng relief goods sa Batangas, dumadaan sa Tagaytay para kumain. Meron naman bisita sa farm side, ayos lang," Cavite 8th District Rep. Abraham Tolentino said.

On the other hand, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat reminded business owners to heed warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

"Of course, Tagaytay is really... tourism is the main occupation but for us we will always follow the guidelines of PHIVOLCS... safety is still number one over the numbers," Puyat said. —Ted Cordero/LBG, GMA News