MANILA - The return of three historic bells to Balangiga town, Eastern Samar more than a century since they were taken as war booty is expected to boost tourism in the area, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said Saturday, hours before the bells were formally turned over to the church.

Many historians consider the bells as a symbol of Filipino valor as these were used to signal a surprise attack on Americans in 1901. The US soldiers then retaliated by murdering villagers, later seizing the bells as loot.

"The homecoming of Balangiga Church bells may yet turn not only Balangiga town but the whole of Eastern Visayas into an emerging tourist destination," Puyat said in a statement.

The tourism department is funding the establishment of several tourist markers and activities to provide more attractions for tourists, DOT- Eastern Visayas Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said.

The DOT is rehabilitating the Balangiga Incident Marker, originally crafted by National Artist Napoleon Abueva, after it was damaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, she said.

Several locals are also being trained to serve as mangrove paddling guides, waiters and tour guides, she said.

The local government has been instructed to procure livelihood gear including kayaks with paddles, floatation devices, rash guards, first aid kits, tents, solar lamps, and other equipment needed for camping and trekking activities that can be enjoyed in Balangiga, Tiopes said.

"Enhancing other tourist destinations in Balangiga will make visitors stay longer, giving them the opportunity to get to know our people, experience our culture, taste our cuisine and discover the infinite escapes in Eastern Visayas," she said.

The DOT is also mulling the possible "accreditation of homestay units to address the lack of accommodations for visitors in town," she said.