SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Department of Tourism (DOT) has issued a certificate of authority to operate (CAO) to some 428 accommodation establishments (AEs) in Region 1(Ilocos) as of Wednesday.
The issuance is in line with Section 3 of DOT Administrative Order 2020-002 mandating all accommodation establishments that intend to start commercial operations, whether for the accommodation of guests or operations of in-house food facilities for take-out or delivery, to secure a CAO from DOT prior to any operations.
In an interview, DOT Ilocos regional director Joseph Francisco Ortega said all AEs that intend to resume operations are required to follow health and safety guidelines for the workers’ and tourists’ welfare.
Ortega said the DOT will provide copies of necessary guidelines, especially on health protocols for each of the establishments.
“We are also partnering with a private company for the provision of signage and markers for the AEs since the printing of the materials would still cost them, considering that they have not earned in the past months,” he said.
He added that as part of the DOT’s recovery plan, they are proposing the provision of soft loans and personal protective equipment for the tourism workers.
“This is, however, still in the works,” Ortega said.
Under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), tourism establishments are allowed to operate under 50-percent capacity.
However, Ortega said AEs are not yet allowed to accept tourists from Metro Manila or other parts outside of the region.
The resumption of tourism activities in the different parts of the region will be subjected to the approval of the respective local government units (LGUs), where the tourist spots are situated, he said.
“We try to balance the health and safety of the people as well as the economic side, as some LGUs, although we are already under MGCQ, still have positive cases,” he added.
Ortega said the DOT Ilocos Region is still finding more ways to make tourism safer amid the pandemic.
“We are planning on the set-up where beachgoers may still maintain physical distancing so we are thinking of putting boundary markers, and one entry and exit points, as wearing face masks while swimming may be difficult and the mask might get wet at the same time,” he said.
He added that during the stricter quarantine periods, DOT provided online training for the tourism worker in preparation for the new normal in the tourism industry, and initiated buying products from the different tourism workers. (PNA)
