Health and Wellness Module 5

PHILIPPINE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Dasmariñas City, Cavite
S.Y. 2021-2022
BS TOURISM MANAGEMENT
MODULE IN MEDICAL AND WELLNESS TOURISM
CHAPTER 5: SPA
A healthy lifestyle may include visiting a spa at least once relaxation of both mind and body.
If there is one of health and wellness tourism that is visibly very busy nowadays, it would
be the spa business. This conclusion is made based on the number of registered corporations
engaged in spa business. A records search at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
would show that, as of the first quarter of 2007, more than 200 corporations were established to
engage in spa business in the Philippines. Not to mention are those spa establishments formed as
single proprietorships or as partnerships, the statistics of which are not readily available.
However, the number of spas accredited with the Department of Tourism (DOT), as of
December 31, 2006, is only 27 (most of which are located in Metro Manila).82 Those who have
not accredited may not be fully aware yet of the advantages of getting the accreditation.
Disclaimer: This module is adapted and modified from the source materials listed in the references list. This is an exclusive
property of Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas College (CBT) and is provided only to enrolled students for their academic
use. This module is provided for free by the school through softcopy and/or printed media. Reproduction of this module without
official permission is prohibited.
The DOT issued the Rules and Regulations to Govern the Accreditation of Spa on July 4,
2002. The latest revised rules we issued on June 27, 2006, but, as of the writing of this book,
they have not yet been published in the official gazette.
Nature and Description of Business
A spa is defined by the DOT Rules as a facility which exudes a tranquil environment,
offering various amenities and services intended to relieve stress, to pamper the body and to
make one feel relaxed and rejuvenated to promote a healthier way of life.
1. A "day spa" is a spa offering a variety of

professionally administered spa services to clients on a
day use-basis, including hair and beauty salons and
wellness clinics, that offer at least one water
treatment.
2. A "destination/resort spa" is a spa which has for its

sole purpose t provide clients with lifestyle improvement
and health enhancement through professionally
administered spa services, physical fitness, education
programming and on-site accommodations where spa
cuisine or healthy foods offered.
3. A "hotel spa" is a spa located within a hotel/urban area/out-of-town providing professionally

administered spa services, fitness and wellness components.
4. A "cruise spa" is a spa aboard a cruise ship that provides professionally administered spa
services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.
5. A "club spa" is a facility whose primary purpose is fitness, offering a variety of
professionally administered spa services on a day-use basis to both club members and non-
members.
6. A "medical spa" is a spa that employs medical and spa

professionals and whose primary purpose is to provide
comprehensive medical (and wellness care) in an environment which integrates spa services, as
well as conventional and complementary therapies and treatments.
7. A "wellness center" is a spa that provides services and

an environment which promotes the interconnectedness of
diet, lifestyle, exercise, relaxation and rejuvenation.
8. A "rehabilitation center" is a spa that primarily focuses on rehabilitation therapy for various
accidents or health-induced incapacities (such as strokes, heart ailments, etc.) incorporating
mainstream and alternative modalities in order to bring the patients to their maximum level of
well-being.
9. A "hospital spa" is a hospital facility with a spa, wherein it integrates mainstream medicine
and other alternative approaches in order to promote healing and balance of mind, body and soul.
Forms of Business Organization

Business entities engaged in the operation of spas may be organized as a single
proprietorship, a partnership corporation. There are legal requirements for the organization and
licensing of these businesses.
Governmental Regulation
Several government agencies take part in the process of organizing and licensing business
entities which intend to engage in the operation of spas.
Securities and Exchange Commission

Businesses intending to be organized as a partnership or a corporation must register their
articles of partnership/ incorporation and by-laws with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC).
For entities intending to engage in the business of operating a spa, prior clearance from
the mayor of the place where the principal office is located must be submitted together with the
incorporation documents.
The SEC has periodic reportorial requirements, such as the annual submission of general
information sheets and financial statements, which must be complied with by corporations and
partnerships engaged in the business of operating spas.
Table 1. SEC Checklist of requirements for partnerships and corporations.
Checklist for Requirements for Checklist for Requirements for

Partnership Corporation
 Verification slip (for proposed name)  Verification slip (for proposed name)
 Cover sheet  Cover sheet
 Articles for Partnership  Articles for Incorporation
 Undertaking to change name  By-laws
 Registration data sheet for partnership  Treasurer’s affidavit
 Bank certificate of deposit
 Authority to verify bank accounts
 Undertaking to change name
 Registration data sheet
 Statement of SALN
 Filing fees
Department of Trade and Industry

Business establishments using business names other than their SEC-registered names
must register said business names with the Bureau of Domestic Trade under the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) before using said business names in contracts, advertisements and
other purposes, and before engaging in any business transaction.
Bureau of Internal Revenue

Business entities must register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and keep books of
account wherein all transactions and results of operations are shown and from which all taxes
due the government may readily and accurately be ascertained and determined any time of the
year. They must also comply with all periodic reportorial and withholding requirements,
including the withholding and remittance of income taxes due on the compensation paid to their
employees.
Social Security System
Business entities must report all their employees who are not over 60 years of age to the
Social Security System (SSS) for compulsory coverage and pay the employer's contribution of
each employee. They must also collect their employee for contributions and remit the same to the
SSS.
Local Government Unit

Under the Local Government Code (1992), local government units (LGUS) are
empowered to require business entities within their jurisdiction to obtain mayor's permit and
business license prior to the commencement of their business operations. Br virtue of their
regulatory and supervisory powers, LGUs can require the submission of other documents, like
barangay clearance, or compliance with minimum capitalization requirements prior to the
issuance of permits. They can require the posting of surety bonds to answer for any and all
liabilities resulting from or incurred in the course of operations. Some LGUS require that
employees of these business entities obtain occupational permits from them before they can start
working. A prospective investor will, therefore, have to check the requirements of the particular
LGU that has territorial jurisdiction over the proposed business since the different LGUs may
have varying requirements.
Department of Tourism
The DOT undertakes the accreditation of on a voluntary basis. Accreditation is a
certification issued by the DOT stating that the holder is recognized by the DOT as having
complied with its minimum standards in the operation of the establishment concerned which will
ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of the tourists. Accreditation is valid for one year and
may be renewed.
While accreditation is not mandatorily required to commence business operations, it
would be beneficial to obtain the same from the DOT because it increases the marketability of
the establishment. The DOT regularly participates in local and international exhibits and
conventions where it promotes, in such events, accredited establishments.
Requirements for DOT Accreditation

For purposes of accreditation, the following are the minimum requirements of the DOT
for the operation and maintenance of a spa establishment.95
Location and Environment
A spa must be situated in a safe and reputable location with clean, calm and relaxing
environment.
Lounge & Reception Counter

A spa must have a reception counter attended by qualified and trained staff and a
reasonably furnished lounge with seating facilities commensurate with the size of the spa.
Washroom
A spa must have separate clean and adequate washrooms for males and females, which
are provided with running water and toiletries.
Locker Rooms
A spa must have separate male and female locker rooms for guests.
Shower Rooms
A spa must have separate male and female shower and changing rooms.
Treatment Rooms
A spa must have separate unlocked treatment rooms for male and female.
Services
A spa must provide all of the following services in addition to other spa-related amenities
which it may offer:
1. Massages such as Swedish massage, Shiatsu, reflexology or tui-na, Thai massage,
aromatherapy, Filipino healing modalities and/or other acceptable massage treatments;
2. Steam, sauna and/or water baths; and
3. Spa treatments such as body packs and wraps, exfoliation, body toning/contouring, waxing,
and hand/foot/face/hair care.
Staff
A spa must have an adequate number of staff who are appropriately-trained by
internationally-recognized training institutions and/or associations recognized by the DOT.
Steams, Sauna and Water Baths

The steam, sauna and water baths of a spa must be maintained in a level of temperature
which will not cause adverse reactions to users. Safety signages must be provided to include
information on allowable maximum temperature, duration of stay and guide in operating
temperature regulator.
Linen
A spa must have an adequate supply of linen, towels and appropriate garments such as
robes or sarong of good quality.
Employees' Facilities
A spa must have an adequate and well-maintained employees' lounge and rest area
equipped with bathrooms and dining room for male and female employees.
There must also be sufficient and adequate space for backroom operations.
Parking
A spa must have an adequate and secured parking space provided for free to
customers/guests.
Emergency Generator
A spa must have a high-powered generator capable of providing full power in all areas of
the establishment.
First Aid
A spa must have a well-stocked first aid cabinet and its staff must be well-trained to be
able to provide first aid at all times.
Facilities for Disabled Persons

A spa must have facilities and provisions for the disabled in accordance with Batas
Pambansa Bilang 344 promulgated on May 1985, otherwise known as an "Act Enhancing the
Mobility of Disabled Persons."
General Rules on the Operation and Maintenance of Spa
The maintenance of all sections of a spa must be made on a continuing basis taking into
consideration the quality of equipment and supplies.
Sanitation measures like cleaning and sterilizing of equipment, robes, sheets, blankets,
pillow case, towels or other materials which may come in direct contact with the client's body
must be adopted in accordance with the standards prescribed under Presidential Decree (P.D.)
No. 856, also known as the Sanitation Code of 1976.
Fire-fighting facilities must be provided in a spa in accordance with P.D. No. 1185, also
known as the Fire Code of 1978.
Appropriate signboards must be conspicuously displayed outside the establishment
showing clearly the name of the spa while safety signages must be prominently posted in
strategic locations inside the spa.
Application for DOT Accreditation
The following are the documentary requirements for DOT accreditation:
1. In the case of corporation or partnership, a certified true copy of the Articles of Incorporation
or Articles of Partnership and its by-laws and amendments duly registered with the SEC and, if
applicable, business name certificate duly issued by the Bureau of Trade Regulation and
Consumer Protection (BTRCP) of the DTI: in the case of single proprietorship, business name
certificate duly issued by the BTRCP of the DTI and amendments thereof, if any;
2. Updated list of management personnel and therapists and their respective positions,
nationalities and home addresses, certified by the general manager and duly notarized;
3. Valid health certificate of all massage therapists duly issued by the proper authority and DOH
license as massage therapist for supervisors;
4. Mayor's permit and/or municipal license; and
5. Fire safety inspection certificate.
Grounds for Cancellation of DOT Accreditation
Any of the following acts or omissions is sufficient ground forthe cancellation of DOT
accreditation.
a. making any false declaration or statement or making use of such declaration or statement or
any document containing the same or committing fraud or any act of misrepresentation for the
purpose of obtaining accreditation;
b. failure to maintain the standards and requirements for accreditation as prescribed by DOT
rules;
c. allowing or permitting the establishment or its facilities to be used for prostitution or any
illegal, immoral or illicit activities;
d. violation of or non-compliance with any rules, promulgated orders, decisions and circulars
issued by the DOT and other concerned government agencies; and
e. any other act or omission that works against the interest of the tourism industry.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Due to the impact of their operations on public health, business entities desiring to
operate spa establishments will have to undergo environmental impact assessment and obtain an
environmental compliance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources before they operations and any kind of construction. can commence.
Board of Investments/Philippine Economic Zone Authority

A spa establishment may choose to register with either the Board of Investments or the
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (but not both) to avail of incentives. See Chapter X for
relevant discussion of these incentives.
Potential Liabilities
The operation of a spa establishment has significant impact on public health. The owner
or operator thereof has to exercise the due diligence of a good father of a family in all aspects of
the operation of the business, including the supervision of employees Otherwise, he may be held
criminally, civilly and administratively liable for his negligence, as well as for all acts or
omissions committed against any guests of the spa establishment by his erring employees.

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PHILIPPINE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

MODULE IN MEDICAL AND WELLNESS TOURISM

1. A "day spa" is a spa offering a variety of

2. A "destination/resort spa" is a spa which has for its

3. A "hotel spa" is a spa located within a hotel/urban area/out-of-town providing professionally

6. A "medical spa" is a spa that employs medical and spa

7. A "wellness center" is a spa that provides services and

Forms of Business Organization

Securities and Exchange Commission

Table 1. SEC Checklist of requirements for partnerships and corporations.

Checklist for Requirements for Checklist for Requirements for

Department of Trade and Industry

Bureau of Internal Revenue

Local Government Unit

Requirements for DOT Accreditation

Lounge & Reception Counter

Steams, Sauna and Water Baths

Facilities for Disabled Persons

General Rules on the Operation and Maintenance of Spa

Application for DOT Accreditation

The following are the documentary requirements for DOT accreditation:

4. Mayor's permit and/or municipal license; and

5. Fire safety inspection certificate.

Grounds for Cancellation of DOT Accreditation

Board of Investments/Philippine Economic Zone Authority

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