Department of Tourism-XI (DOT-XI) said that the initiative of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) that orders all local government units (LGUs), not to give the primary tourism enterprises (PTEs) a permit, if they are not DOT-accredited, is a welcome development towards sustainable tourism development.
Last week, DILG reiterated the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9593 or Tourism Act of 2009, indicating that PTEs such as hotels, resorts, inns, and other accommodation establishments are required to secure accreditation from the DOT for issuance of license or permit to operate.
DOT-XI director Tanya Rabat-Tan said that prior to the DILG-order, Davao City had already made initial steps towards it.
Last January, the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) blocked some 300 business establishments in the city after failing to comply with the requirements for the tourism licenses.
Rabat, who was recently appointed last month, said that sustainable tourism is one of the anchored priorities of her office, as mandated by President Duterte.
She said that the regional tourism office is still finalizing its plans under her term as DOT head.
“We’re still building good foundation. Our goals and programs are to forge good partnership with stakeholders. Maybe a few months, I could then give a concrete project,” Rabat said on Saturday afternoon during the Carbon Forest Project tree planting project in Bago Gallera, Davao City.
The project is in partnership of the Philippine Eagle Foundation and Ayala Land Corporation, wherein an estimated 15,000 trees are to be planted for the reforestation that consist of six-hectare open space forest.
Various civilian organizations and government and security agencies, including the Davao Tourism Association (DATA), Task Force Davao and the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), participated in the tree planting project.
“Our participation of the tree planting project shows our support to the national government’s campaign for sustainable tourism,” Rabat said.
She also said that the agency will be conducting other social responsibility activities quarterly, such as clean up drive.
