Gubat sa Ciudad (Photo courtesy of Caloocan PIO)
MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) has confirmed that Gubat sa Ciudad, a resort in Caloocan that was shut down for accepting guests while Metro Manila is still under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), has no DOT accreditation.
The erring resort went viral over the weekend after photos of people swarming in their pools circulated online. Under MECQ, the operation of swimming pools, and even outdoor and indoor tourist attractions are prohibited.
"Upon verification, the resort was also found to be operating without DOT accreditation," the DOT said in a statement on Tuesday.
A DOT accreditation is a certificate issued to a tourism enterprise, officially recognizing its compliance with the minimum standards for the operation of tourism facilities and services.
"The department stresses the importance of transacting with DOT-accredited establishments. The DOT accreditation is an assurance that a tourism enterprise has complied with the minimum standards for the operation of tourism facilities and services," the agency added.
The DOT then lauded the "swift and resolute action" taken by the city government of Caloocan against Gubat sa Ciudad and commended Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan for ordering the closure and revocation of the establishment’s business permit.
Meanwhile, it reminded the public to engage in responsible tourism by observing the health and safety protocols implemented based on the various community quarantine classifications imposed by respective local government units. (PNA)
