Spa owners want House probe into DOH training

CEBU, Philippines - Some spa and wellness operators in Cebu are calling for a congressional inquiry into the controversial massage therapy training required by the Department of Health.

The request was coursed through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-7, said Art Barrit, spokesman of the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP), who sits as TESDA board member representing the labor sector.

“I received a lot of requests from different operators of spa calling for a meeting and they requested us to bring this matter to our partylist representative of TUCP, Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza, to conduct congressional inquiry regarding the implementation of this program,” said Barrit during the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday.

Barrit was reacting to the report of Consul Robert Lim Joseph that non-accredited masseurs in Boracay Island were already apprehended and made to pay P2,500 fine.

“They are criminalizing these masseurs and they would have to pay P2,500. What will happen to the cost of massage in the wellness program for the Philippines? This will happen here in Cebu and in Manila,” Joseph said.

Operator of Ton Ton Thai Massage chain, Joseph is the secretary general of the Philippine Organization of Wellness Establishments and Resources.

“Kulang na nga ng trabaho, nabigyan na ng TESDA, here is another agency which says they cannot work. It is against the poor,” said Joseph.

Barrit pointed out that TESDA, rather than DOH, even has a stringent rule regarding the operationalization of “hilot” wellness massage.

Prior to the conduct of congressional inquiry, Barrit said he will ask TESDA to have a forum for massage operators to register their opposition to the directive of DOH.

Joseph already has filed a complaint before the House of Representatives over DOH’s inaction to calls to lower exorbitant fees for the said training, which is not in compliance with the international standard for massage therapy training.

He said they sent letters to DOH asking for a meeting to settle the matter but they were ignored by the government agency.

Joseph further said DOH and its 16 accredited training centers all over the country should be investigated over an alleged money-making scheme.

He said those who took the exams had to attend the seminar and each paid P10,000 aside from the examination fee. — (FREEMAN)