NOW P750

50% discount on RT-PCR test offered to domestic tourists —DOT

Domestic tourists can avail of a 50% discount on RT-PCR test for COVID-19, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said on Monday.

During a signing ceremony, Puyat announced that the original price of P1,500 for the testing at Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC) has been reduced to P750.

“It is my pleasure to announce today that we are expanding this RT-PCR testing subsidy program for our tourists. Through this partnership, DOT [Department of Tourism] further lowers the cost of the RT-PCR test,” she said.

Around P8.7 million from the special contingency fund will subsidize the 50% of the cost of the RT-PCR testing to help support the domestic tourism industry amid the impact of the pandemic, according to Puyat.

“So 'yung P1,500, magiging P750 na lamang to benefit 11,600 domestic tourists,” she said.

“Marami naman kasi talagang gustong mag-travel, except prohibiting ‘yung cost ng RT-PCR. But with this partnership, magiging P750 na lamang,” she added.

In November, the government set the price of RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 from P3,800 to P5,000.

The partnership deal was signed by the DOT, PCMC and the Tourism Promotions Board (TBP) on Monday.

According to TBP chief operating officer Maria Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones, the deal will be effective until June in 2021.

Domestic tourists would have to present a valid ID, proof of accommodation in a DOT-accredited establishment, and booking for transportation.

PCMC medical director Dr. Julius Lecciones said the result of the COVID-19 test will be available within 24 hours.

Before this partnership, the DOT previously collaborated with the Philippine General Hospital in subsidizing the cost of RT-PCR tests for domestic tourists. —KG, GMA News