Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Tourism- Region 6 (DOT-6) is continuing to strengthen domestic tourism in the region.
DOT-6 said they are “enhancing existing products and creating new one”.
Secretary (Bernadette) Puyat earlier mentioned about the different products in Boracay (biking tour program) that we are enhancing so that’s parts in the pipeline. We have conducted a lot of collaboration with stakeholders there and LGU,” said Mansinares.
Mansinares added they are looking forward to realizing the Visayas cluster tourism program with Regions 7 and 8 which will include motor-touring and biking routes.
“Farm tourism is also there and we are so happy that Region 6 has the most number of DOT-accredited farm sites. Currently, we have 42,” she said.
Puyat noted that tourism frontliners in quarantine hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related establishments are now included in the priority list for vaccination.
“Ang ating tourism frontliners importante na mabakunahan para hindi na tumaas ang cases, protektado na ang ating mga tourism workers.”
Puyat also cited the “Bayanihan To Recover as One Act” of the national government as a support program for affected tourism workers and tourism establishments.
According to her, the DOT-6 received 64 complaints agianst non-compliant tourism establishments.
Investigations were made, and violators were closed down.
“Kasi seryoso tayo lalo na ngayong COVID. Kailangan talagang masigurado natin na yung mga turista natin pag pumunta sa hotel ay safe. Hindi lumalabag yung hotel or accomodation resorts sa health and safety protocol.”/PN
