Professional Documents
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DOT
on the
Summer is here!
Photo by: DOT 2
As the Department of Tourism (DOT) continues to push for the reopening of more travel
destinations in the Philippines, here is a rundown of reopened spots that you can already visit for
your summer getaway. (continue on page 2)
DOT Launches
P5 P8
PHL says “All Systems Go
15
P
DOT hails Sinulog
P16
for Full Reopening on Loboc boats
Digital Travel April 1” Removes EED citation among
cruising again
Magazine “7641” as Entry Requirement Asia’s top festivals
2 on theDOT
Summer is here! Declared as a marine reserve by virtue of
Proclamation No. 447 on August 16, 1994, the island
Photos by: DOT 2, DOT3, Edgar Alan Zeta-Yap boasts of outstanding sceneries, a rich marine life,
(continued from page 1) and well-preserved corals as refuge for more than
LUZON 20 commercial species of fish. Tourists who wish
to visit the island can go swimming, sightseeing,
Anawangin Cove
fishing, trekking, and camping.
For years, Palaui Island has drawn the attention
of the travelling public when it hosted two seasons
of the reality television show Survivor USA. It also
served as the filming location for Cap Horn, the
travel show of the World’s Greatest Modern-Day
Adventurer-Explorer, Mike Horn. The island was
also recognized by CNN as among the Top 10 Best
Raw Beaches of the World in 2013.
1. Zambales
Summer in Zambales: With the recent lifting
of the VisITA QR code requirement for tourists
entering the Province of Zambales, now is the
perfect time to bask in the sun and enjoy an island
hopping tour around its many breathtaking beaches
such as Nagsasa, Anawangin, Talisayin, Silanguin,
Capones Island, and Camara Island, to name a few.
Complete your summer getaway and connect with
nature without compromising on your comfort
by experiencing Glamping in San Narciso and 3. Mt. Pulag, Benguet
San Felipe (Crystal Beach Resort and The Glamp Mt. Pulag National Park, the Philippines’ third
Zambales). For more information, you may visit highest peak, awaits travelers who are looking for a
the official FB Page of Zambales Tourism at https:// thrilling climb.
www.facebook.com/zambales.tourism.official Tentatively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage
Centre, Mt. Pulag has enchanted people for
Cape Engaño Lighthouse
generations. The montane forests and the grassland
summit with its “sea of clouds” phenomenon are
highlights of the climb. Mt. Pulag’s peak is carpeted in
grass and dwarf bamboo bushes. The mountainside
features a mossy forest with ferns, lichens, and moss
at lower elevations, which is veiled in fog. The area
is also marked by waterfalls, rivers, and small lakes.
The DOT has recently supported the conduct of
eco-adventure activities to support the reopening of
the park to visitors. Among these were the“Bike to
the Highest Point” and “Philippine Highest Obstacle
2. Palaui Island Race Course”, where sustainable tourism practices
If you are looking for an underrated destination, were put in place and conscious efforts were exerted
Cagayan Valley’s pride–Palaui Island Marine to reinforce preservation and conservation efforts
Reserve–is already accepting tourists since March 8. on the park. (continue on page 3)
on the DOT 3
Summer is here! But those who want to skip the fun under the sun
may choose to go on one of the province’s heritage
Photos by: DOT 6, DOT 8, IPG Mediterranean tours, including the famous Loboc River Cruise,
(continued from page 2) which has been rehabilitated after the Typhoon
VISAYAS Odette which struck many parts of Visayas and
Mindanao in December last year.
Now back in business, the cruise promises an
enriched heritage experience for travelers, as the
boats have been made wider with polished wooden
floors, and with materials such as stained glass,
capiz and callado details installed on the vessels.
With each of the refurbished boats fitted with details
in the Visayan vernacular architecture, guests will
surely enjoy a more elegant, culturally-attuned
journey through the waterway as they dine in the
floating restaurants serving a mouthwatering lunch
buffet.
Sogod Bay
4. Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
As part of its efforts to further attract tourists to
visit the world-famous Boracay Island, the DOT has
turned over additional five promotional paraw sails
to Malay Association of Sailing Boat Owners Inc.
(MASBOI) - Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Station
1, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan on March 26.
Paraw sunset sailing has been a popular activity
in the island, providing a warm and welcoming
ambience to visitors, especially during sunset.
Recently, Boracay Island saw an uptick in tourist
arrivals, which is expected to continue in the coming
weeks. 6. Southern Leyte
While it is no secret that Visayas is home to many
Loboc River
popular diving spots, the province of Southern Leyte’s
Sogod Bay is slowly gaining attention among divers
and diving enthusiasts. Dubbed as a “Rising Star of
Philippine Dive Destinations”, Sogod Bay hosts over
20 marine protected areas, world–class dive sites,
and is home to 350 of the 520 coral species. Whale
sharks can also be seen from November to May in
Pintuyan and San Ricardo–both within Sogod Bay–
making the area one of the richest showcases of
marine biodiversity.
MINDANAO
Heading to the country’s southern islands,
Mindanao also offers interesting places that are
5. Bohol commonly not under the radar of traditional leisure
Boracay’s neighboring tourist destination, Bohol, travellers but are truly astounding and worth paying
offers almost the same beach vibes with the Island. a visit. (continue on page 4)
4 on theDOT
Summer is here! in recent times. It features a wide array of beautiful
destinations such as white sand beaches, majestic
waterfalls, and enchanting rivers where one can
Photos by: DOT 10, DOT CARAGA, Dapitan City
enjoy and relax. Travellers are also in for a thrilling
Tourism Office
time with the loop’s water activities as well as farm
(continued from page 3) tourism visits.
Among the tourist magnet destinations included
in the loop are Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City;
Enchanted River in Hinatuan; Britania Group of
Islets in San Agustin; Alameda Farmin San Agustin;
and Cagwait White Beach in Cagwait.
on the
On the DOT is published
by the
OFFICE OF PUBLIC
AFFAIRS AND ADVOCACY
Department of Tourism,
3rd Flr., DOT Bldg., Sen. Gil
Puyat Ave., Makati
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Asec. Howard Lance A. Uyking,
DOT reminds accommodation Dir. Czarina Zara-Loyola
Chief Edwin S. Martin
establishments of occupancy guidelines
The Department of Tourism housekeeping, room service, and Editor-in-Chief:
(DOT) reminded hotels and food delivery for the comfort and Rae Marrie L. de Mesa
other accommodation benefit of hotel guests. Managing Editor:
establishments (AEs) on the Any v i ol at i on of t he s e Charles Adonis C. Usi
relaxed guidelines on room guidelines, which may include Associate Editor:
occupancy in areas under Alert making any false, deceptive, or Mikee Denise P. Pascual
Level 1, 2, and 3. misleading claims for the purpose Graphics/Layout Artist:
The DOT issued the reminder of soliciting business from guests
Reselda C. Bernardo,
upon receiving reports that and clients will subject the AEs to
Kyla Marisse B. Valdez
several hotels insist that, based on penalties and fines, depending on
DOT guidelines, guests are unable the gravity of offense. Photographers:
to share rooms if they are from The Department urged all Larry D. Moran, Ely V. Aldea,
different households. stakeholders to observe the Denison G. Manuel,
B as e d on Admin ist rat ive guidelines for a fun and seamless Thea A. de Guzman
Order number 2022-001 travel experience, especially with Production:
or t he Gui delines on t he the anticipated influx of guests Ma.Teresa C. Esguerra,
Operations of Hotels and Other who wish to enjoy the summer Ramon T. Rebulado,
Accommodation Establishments season in the Philippines. Daniel R. Cruz,
under the Alert Level Systems for To view a copy of AO no. 2022-
Abelardo B. Valencia Jr.
Covid-19, which states that regular 001, please visit: https://beta.
hotels in areas under alert levels tourism.gov.ph/publications. DOT
1, 2, and 3 may accommodate
leisure and business guests. The
hotels are also allowed full
room occupancy, regardless
of whether the leisure guests
are from the same household
or not, subject to minimum
public health standards.
Moreover, the DOT has already
given the green light for daily
on the DOT 7
DOT inks partnership with PNP, PDEA
to beef up security in tourist destinations
QUEZON CIT Y – As
Ph i lippi ne tour is m moves
towards its much anticipated
recovery, the Department of
Tourism (DOT) joined hands
w it h t he Phi lippine Dr u g
Enforcement Agency (PDEA)
and the Philippine National
Police (PNP) to beef up security
in tourist destinations across Branded as Tourism Operation they have agreed to deploy
the country. Protection Against Illegal Drugs appropriate manpower to TOP-
Tourism Development Planning or the TOP-AID, this latest AID centers in DOT identified
Undersecretary Woodrow C. partnership between the DOT, tourist destinations. These tourist
Maquiling, Jr. represented Tourism PDEA and PNP is a follow assistance and complaint desks will
Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, through to the Tourism Oriented focus on drug related concerns.
who was on official business, Police for Community Order and They will also lead information
in a ceremony at the PDEA Protection (TOPCOP) program, drive on “Drug Free Workplace
Head Office, Quezon City last the tourism security force Program”, while assisting in drug
14 March 2022. Together with assisting in maintaining peace and clearing operations including
Usec Maquiling, Jr. are Director order within areas of high tourism apprehe nd i ng any p e rs on
General Wilkins Villanueva and traffic. TOPCOP was established engaged in illegal drug activities
Chief PNP Dionardo B. Carlos in 2011 and has trained 5,457 in coordination with the PNP
who co-signed the Memoradum tourist police and put up 365 and concerned local government
of Agreement (MOA) for the Tourist Police Assistance Centers units.
PDEA and PNP, respectively. (TPAC) in strategic locations Meanwhile, other than
“We welcome this latest across the country. identifying key tourist
collaboration with our country’s Under the new TOP-AID destinations with high-tourism
police force and drug enforcement MOA, between the DOT, PDEA traffic where TOP-AID centers
agency in an aim to provide greater and PNP, the parties agree to may be put up, the DOT will also
deterrence and protection against cooperate and render assistance to spearhead the training of these
the illicit trafficking of dangerous ensure further protection, safety, personnel on tourism awareness
drugs in tourist destinations,” said and security of tourists in DOT and the signature Filipino brand
Secretary Puyat, in her message identified tourist destinations. of service and hospitality that is
conveyed by Usec. Maquiling On the part of PDEA, world renowned. DOT
8 on the DOT
DOT meets with Japanese tourism execs to boost inbound tourism arrivals
(continued from page 18) recovery of the sector,” the tourism anticipated World Travel and
The tourism chief highlighted, chief said. Tour is m C ounci l (W T TC )
among others, the country’s Puyat emphasized that the Global Summit, which will be
low COVID-19 cases, the high Philippines is by far the first held in Manila, Philippines for
vaccination rate of tourism country in Southeast Asia to have the first time from April 20 to 22.
workers, compliance with global the simplest travel process with The upcoming Philippine-
safety and hygiene protocols, and no quarantines nor testing upon hosted WTTC Summit will “open
simplified entry requirements arrival. discussions between industry
and process. She assured Japanese “We are aware that the stakeholders, organizations,
tourism stakeholders that the pandemic is still here and health and governments to support
DOT will continue to provide should always be the priority. economic recovery through the
marketing support including We strive to balance public restarting of travel and tourism
that of chartered flights to the safety and economic recovery by and attracting investments
Philippines. crafting policies that safeguard centered on the safe and secure
S e cret ar y P uyat a ls o our citizen’s well-being as well reopening of the industry,” she
introduced a program to entice as revive the tourism sector,” she disclosed.
f u l ly vac c i nate d Jap anes e stressed. The tourism chief earlier said
travelers who have yet to receive Puyat also met with the that such hosting is an advantage
their booster jabs by providing DOT’s counterpart, the Japan to the Philippines, as it is a way to
COVID-19 vaccine booster shots Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, showcase what the country could
at popular tourist destinations Transport and Tourism (MOLIT) offer more in the global arena in
in the country. This will enable to discuss the resumption of two- terms of boosting investments.
Japanese tourists to go back way tourism traffic between the “Through this event, we aim to
to Japan without having to do two countries. stimulate discussions on how to
quarantine. “The Philippines and Japan solve the social, environmental,
“Like other tourism ministries, share a common goal for the and economic challenges faced
the Philippines Department of tourism sector, that of promoting by the global travel and tourism
Tourism exhausted all possible our respective destinations and industry. Likewise, we aim to
efforts to revive the industry, thereby contributing meaningfully increase the public’s appreciation
primarily to restore jobs and to the growth of our nations’ for the travel and tourism
rebuild revenue streams. Now, economies.”, said Puyat industry’s role as a driver of
we are glad to see the fruits of The tourism chief took the economic growth, livelihoods and
our labor after nearly two years opportunity to invite Japanese employment, and sustainable
of preparations to push for the tourism players to the much- development,” she said. DOT
20 on theDOT
National Women’s Month Celebration
WE MAKE CHANGE WORK FOR WOMEN
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Officer and head of the Tourism
Sharlene Z. Batin Development Planning Research
DOT National Capital Region
and Information Management
“Life is too short for what-ifs”, Unit. RD Sha also facilitated
that’s the life philosophy of newly- the training of private and
appointed Regional Director (RD) public tourism stakeholders on
for the Department of Tourism tourism development planning
(DOT) National Capital Region and tourism statistics as well as
(NCR) Sharlene Zabala-Batin. managed the DOT - Metro Manila
RD Sha, as she is fondly called social media accounts. RD Sha, who is a proud wife
by her friends and her team, Before her DOT stint, RD and mother of three, is a master in
started in the DOT as a Tourism Sha served as a faculty member Public Administration Major in
Operations Officer II of the of the Lyceum of the Philippines Local and Regional Governance
CALABARZON Regional Office Cavite teaching tourism, travel graduate from the University of
where she served as the officer- services, and events management the Philippines and is currently
in-charge budget officer, Bids and courses. She first ventured in the undertaking her Doctor in Public
Awards Committee (BAC), and tourism industry as the Officer- Administration degree.
head of the statistical training in-Charge of the City Tourism As the Regional Director of
program. and Information Office of her the Capital of Fun, RD Sha is also
She then qualified for the hometown in Trece Martires City, tasked as the Deputy Secretary
Supervising Tourism Operation Cavite where she developed the General for the Philippine
Officer post of the NCR office city tourism strategic plan and Hosting of the World Travel and
as the Data Privacy Compliance tourism communication plan. Tourism Global Summit 2022. DOT
22 on theDOT
Newly Appointed Officials
DIRECTOR
Secretary involved in three policy-
Paulo Benito S. Tugbang related work stream from 2018 to
Medical, Health and Wellness Tourism
2022.
Director Paulo Benito S. The faculty preceptor and
Tugbang is a health policy faculty adviser of the Ateneo
professional with years of School of Medicine and Public
experience in health governance, He a lt h and D e vel opme nt
including health policy Ac a demy of t he Ph i l ippi ne s
development, and planning, resp e c t ively, w as a for me r
program management, and crisis Municipal Health Officer for
management. the DOH Doctor to the Barrios
Before being named as the Program for three years.
Director of the DOT Medical, He led the Municipality of San
Health, and Wellness Tourism Rafael, Iloilo Province during his
last March 11, Director Paulo Doctor to the Barrios Program
led the Medical Travel and stint to multiple citations for
Wellness Tourism Program of the zero open defecation, highest 2010 Midwife Licensure Exam,
Department of Health (DOH) as c ont ra ce pt ive pre v a l e nce, and also a registered nurse
the Program Manager and served community deworming coverage, ranking 10th during the July 2009
with the Interagency Task Force volu nt ar y bl o o d d onat i on , licensure exam.
for the Management of Emerging TB-DOTS facility evaluation As the Director for DOT’s
Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and reaccreditation, and the Medical, Health and Wellness
Secretariat as the Technical Lead. Municipal-Level Service Delivery Tour is m , D i re c tor Pau l o
Director Paulo also was at Network Manual. is ass i g ne d to ove rs e e its
the helm of DOH working Director Paulo is a registered development and implementation
in concurrent capacity as the physician, a registered midwife as well as assist the DOT Secretary
Executive Assistant to the DOH placing 1st during the November in the IATF-EID. DOT