THE Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas has urged hotel workers and other tourism workers in the region to get vaccinated against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
“The DOT-Eastern Visayas had been advocating for the Covid-19 vaccination in the tourism sector that took the major hit this pandemic. This aims to help the industry to recover, re-continue their operation that is vital and good not only for the local but for the national economy as well,” said Karen Tiopes, regional tourism director.
At least 171 accommodation establishments in the region had achieved the 100 percent Covid-19 vaccination rate for their staff.
In Tacloban City, the region’s capital, some 35 establishments have achieved 100 percent inoculation rate.
“Ito ang magpapanumbalik ng confidence para magkaroon tayo ng travel bubble and safety and security ng bawat turista, ng bawat empleyado, ng bawat mamamayan, ng Region 8 at ng Tacloban City,” said Jerick Florano, XYZ resident manager.
He said it was challenging at first to convince their staff to be vaccinated. But after he got his first dose, other hotel staff had also submitted themselves for vaccination.
According to Florano, all 85 employees of XYZ are now fully vaccinated.
XYZ is still operating at 50 percent of its capacity, but Florano said that aside from locals, guests from outside the region are also increasing by at least two percent.
“For those who are working in the tourism and hospitality industry, sana magpavaccine na lahat. Aside that we are requiring other guests and other costumers na for vaccination, sana tayo rin vaccinated din,” added Rose Angelie Zalavarria, one of the fully vaccinated staff of XYZ.
In Palo town, Oriental Hotel de Leyte is one of the two accommodation facilities that have fully vaccinated staff, according to DOT-Eastern Visayas.
All 65 personnel of the hotel are already fully vaccinated with the help of the DOT and the local government unit of Palo.
“We really encourage you all my fellow hoteliers to please be vaccinated, kasi kailangan natin ‘to. The DOT is really pushing to ensure that hotels are safe, yung destination,” said Oriental General Manager Anito Lanticse.
He added that 100 percent fully vaccinated staff helps the operation of the hotel in earning trust and confidence from their guests.
Even if all their workers are already fully vaccinated, Lanticse maintained that they will still impose and require the strict observance of minimum health protocols, such as wearing of face masks, observing physical distancing, and hand sanitizing.
Awee Almaden, sales executive at the Oriental de Leyte, said that as hotel frontliner who regularly met guests, the vaccine gives her additional protection against Covid-19, which is why she urges other workers in the tourism industry to do the same.
“For us who work in hospitality industry being vaccinated help in boosting the confidence of guests. So I encourage everyone to be vaccinated for the safety of employees and clients,” Almaden said.
“Because we are still facing this pandemic, getting vaccinated is very important especially if you are into traveling and always meeting a lot of people from various places,” said another regular guest at Oriental.
In Leyte, the Villaconzoilo Farm, an integrated farm located in Jaro town, with 26 staff, is the only community-based tourism organization (CBTO) accredited by the DOT that has fully vaccinated tourism workers based on the record provided by the management.
While more accommodation facilities in the region have fully vaccinated staff, the Covid-19 vaccination program is facing problems among CBTO due to misinformation, including beliefs or religion, according to DOT.
“Para ma secure yung establishments natin, yung pamilya, at yung community, ini-encourage ko po kayo na magpa-vaccine dahil wala naman pong mawawala sa atin, magkakaroon po tayo ng proteksyon at yung mga guest natin mapi-feel nila sa safe sila na pumunta sa inyong lugae dahil vaccinated na tayo,” said Virgil Horca, Villaconzoilo Farm supervisor.
Even no Covid-19 case was recorded in Villaconzoilo village, the management seeks the help of the local government unit and gives them a vaccination schedule.
“Whatever vaccine is available, let yourself be vaccinated. That is for your protection, for your family, and for the people that you meet at your work,” added Sherly Paca-anas, who is assigned at the restaurant at Villaconzoilo.
The National Government is slated to conduct another national vaccination program this December 15 to 19, but the schedule was moved to December 20 to 22 due to Severe Tropical Storm Rai (Odette).
The government held the first round of the national vaccination last November 29 to December 3.
Eastern Visayas ranked fourth in the first national vaccination drive with about 421,220 individuals who received their Covid-19 shots. (SunStar Philippines)