Manila, Oct. 1 -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) is extending assistance to the tourism sector as it continues to assess the extent of damage caused by the powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake on destinations in the Visayas, specifically the worst-hit Cebu province.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Wednesday joined her fellow Cabinet secretaries in visiting the ground zero in Cebu province to identify the immediate aid required by the affected public.

"After the 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu last night, I contacted the Office of the President and the Secretaries of National Defense, Transportation, Public Works and Highways, and Health to request urgent assistance for Cebu following coordination with local officials," she said.

"I...