By Jacky Lynne A. Oiga
Going to Mt. Apo (photo by Henrylito Tacio)
MANILA, Philippines – What do the Butandings in Sorsogon, the fish sanctuaries in Guimaras, and the 800-meter zip line in Davao del Sur have in common? Besides being located in top emerging destinations, these are all tourism enterprises that recently adopted and passed the mandatory accreditations enforced by the Department of Tourism (DoT).
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Sorsogon, Sangguniang Panlungsod of Digos in Davao del Sur and Sangguniang Bayan of Nueva Valencia in Guimaras are local government units (LGUs) that passed their resolutions late last year in accordance with prescribed guidelines and standards of the DoT. This comprehensive system of accreditation will help upgrade tourism products and services as well as guarantee the best vacations for local and foreign tourists.
Davao del Sur boasts of the country’s highest peak, Mt. Apo, the endemic orchid species like the Vanda Sanderiana and the endangered Philippine Eagle. Donsol’s butanding-watching experience is relatively new but the local tourism office has also added firefly watching in its list of interesting activities. The unspoiled beaches of Guimaras, on the other hand, continue to lure foreign tourists.
Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim explained that the DoT needs to share responsibilities with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and LGUs in the accreditation enforcement in every tourist destination, “The continuing support of the DILG and the LGUs is one way of developing tourism in a responsible, ethical, and sustainable way.”
Atty. Maria Victoria Jasmin, Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation added that the locals of these communities will also benefit economically, culturally, socially and environmentally from the multiplier effect of a strong and vibrant travel and tourism industry in their areas. Jasmin encouraged their support noting that cooperation from the LGUs is crucial.
The DoT regularly conducts training and continuing education to enhance the LGUs’ capability, particularly for its tourism officers, in partnership with the travel trade to properly implement the regulatory provisions.
In line with this, the DoT is requesting LGUs to require all establishments that may be classified as primary tourism enterprises with the presentation of its accreditation certificate upon submission of its application for renewal of its license or permit to operate. For those applying for new or original license, an endorsement from the DoT is required with the application.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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