Only accredited establishments can operate at full capacity –DOT

Only establishments accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) may operate at full capacity in areas under a general community quarantine and modified general community quarantine, Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said Saturday.

“Well, ang pinapayagan na 100 percent operational capacity, itong mga DOT accredited establishments. So kailangan meron silang accreditation, whether hotel ‘yan or resort,” Bengzon said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

The government on Thursday allowed hotels to operate at full capacity in GCQ and MGCQ areas.

However, DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that operating at full capacity would still up to the decision of hotel administrators and the establishment's capability to follow safety guidelines.

“This is good news dahil ang instruction sa amin ni Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat ay tulungan natin ang ating industriya na makabangon at syempre tulungan natin itong mga tourism enterprises na nawalan ng income,” Bengzon added.

Bengzon reiterated that hotels and other tourism establishments must first secure a certificate of authority to be allowed to operate.

“At saka, importante rin na makakuha sila nung tinatawag nating certificate of authority to operate o ‘yung CAO na pag-papatunay na nakapag-comply na sila dto sa mga health and safety guidelines na na-develop ng DOT,” he said.

Though age restrictions had been lifted, pregnant women and individuals with comorbidities were still prohibited from tourism establishments.

“Siguro ang request lang namin sa ating mga kababayan, suportahan po natin ang ating tourism industry. Kapag may mga bukas na destinasyon, puntahan po natin dahil malaki po ang maitutulong natin doon sa mga tourism enterprises na talagang tinamaan ng husto nitong pandemya,” he said.

“But, siguro, ang pinaka-mahalaga diyan, ‘wag lang natin kakalimutan ‘yung mga, ‘yung disiplina na nakasanayan natin nitong nakaraang pitong buwan. Sana sundin pa rin natin habang nag-iikot tayo,” he added. — DVM, GMA News