MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday asked local government units (LGU) to remain vigilant against health protocol violators as it expressed dismay and "grave concern" over hotels and resorts that fail to follow the restrictions.
"The DOT calls on our local tourism offices and the LGUs to continue to be vigilant in monitoring our tourism establishments as it notes with grave concern and dismay, that some tourism establishments continue to violate the health and safety protocols established by the national government to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus in the country," the agency said in a statement.
The agency reported that a resort in Toril district in Davao City served liquor to guests despite the ban and hosted 60 guests, beyond the limit of 25 imposed by the LGU.
The establishment was not identified but noted that it was also supposed to be closed for lack of a business permit.
Davao City already took action against the erring resort, the DOT said.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat stressed the importance of close engagement between the DOT and LGUs to ensure that accommodation establishments across the country would observe the health and safety protocols.
She said only by strictly enforcing these health protocols, the country may be able to hasten the revival and survival of the tourism industry. (PNA)
