Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. ordered the local government units (LGUs) on Tuesday, Sept. 13, to issue permits to operate only to primary tourism enterprises (PTEs) accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) pursuant to relevant laws and regulations.

PTEs refer to accommodation establishments such as hotels, resorts, and homestays; travel and tour services such as travel and tour agencies and tour operators; tourist transport operators (e.g. land, water, and air); meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions; adventure/sports and ecotourism facilities; and, tourism frontliners or tour guides, among others.

Abalos explained that Section 122 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9593 or “The Tourism Act of 2009” states that prior accreditation by the DOT is required for the issuance of a license or permit to operate to PTEs by the LGUs.

“Despite the evident booming of our tourism sector following the lull due to the pandemic, PTEs must still abide by tourism laws and regulations. Mahalaga po ang sektor ng turismo sa ating ekonomiya ngunit mahalaga rin na tayo ay sumusunod sa polisiya ng pamahalaan (The tourism sector is vital in our economy but it is also important that we adhere to the polices of the government),’’ Abalos said.

With people traveling again, Abalos said the PTEs accredited by the DOT will guarantee that protocols enforced by the government for the protection of tourists and the PTEs themselves are implemented.

He stressed that the LGUs must be at the forefront of protecting the welfare and safety of tourists by ensuring that PTEs within their jurisdiction are adhering to government policies.

The DILG chief stressed that the DOT mandate to obtain accreditation ensures the quality of services offered by PTEs is at par with the standards set for the industry, protecting tourists from unreliable transactions from sketchy service providers.

“With the DOT accreditation, tourists gain a much-needed peace of mind when they travel,” he added.

Abalos echoed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s statement that tourism is a vital economic vehicle that creates lots of opportunities on the ground, which is why LGUs must see to it that PTEs are complying with existing rules and regulations for the best interest of the people.

“We must be strict in ensuring that our policies are being fully exercised and complied with. Maraming kababayan natin ang nagta-travel kaya kailangan nating pangalagaan ang kanilang kapakanan (Many of our countrymen are travelling that is why we need to protect their wellness),’’ Abalos noted.

In an advisory dated August 26, 2022, the department reiterated that DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) 2019-17 which states that LGUs have to ensure that all PTEs have complied with and have obtained DOT accreditation before operations.

In the same memorandum, the LGUs are directed to issue necessary closure orders if the concerned PTEs pay no heed to DOT’s notification of failure of compliance.

“Tourism enterprises who fail to act on their deficiencies within a reasonable period may face closure,’’ Abalos warned.

Covid-safe travels

Abalos also urged the public to continue observing the minimum public health standards (MPHS) set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases as well as get their vaccine and booster doses to enjoy safe and healthful travels in the country.

“We should all do our part in sustaining the gains we made in improving the country’s pandemic situation. Let us still follow the health and safety protocols from IATF, and get vaccinated and boosted. Let us unite as one so we can all experience a better normal,” Abalos stated. (Chito A. Chavez)