DOT-Davao to tourism firms: Follow strict safety protocols

THE regional office of the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Davao Region has warned multiple-use hotels (MUH) to continue observing strict protocols imposed by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) following reports of persons, especially returning overseas filipinos (ROF), breaking quarantine protocols.

DOT-Davao Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan said in a statement released to the media Friday, January 7, 2022, that they are keen on penalizing MUH proven to have neglected their responsibility and duty.

“Failure to do so will result in the suspension of DOT accreditation and revocation of permit as a MUH as well as being penalized based on the recommendation of the DOT’s Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation,” she said.

She also reminded tourism stakeholders to not be complacent and continue the strict implementation of safety protocols as resurgence of Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the country due to the Omicron variant outbreak.

Tan emphasized that regular monitoring of not just quarantined guests but also leisure guests in respective establishments is important.

In the event where guests will breach quarantine protocols, she said the MUHs are obliged to report such incidents to the BOQ for immediate investigation.

Part of its efforts to avoid quarantine violations, DOT-Davao Region has designated a One-Stop Shop (OSS) staff and other personnel to conduct orientation with ROFs on the health and safety protocol and quarantine guidelines upon arrival at the airport.

Tan said the OSS staff closely coordinates and communicates with OSS Davao Command and its member-agencies, including the BOQ, City Government of Davao, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Office for Transportation Security, Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Police, and other security groups on concerns relating to ROF and MUH.

“The DOT 11 (Davao Region) supports the reopening of tourism during this pandemic by giving paramount importance on the safety of our guests, the tourism workforce, and the general public,” she said.