Big boost seen for tourism jobs

MANILA, Philippines — The government’s decision to accept the vaccination certificates of 12 more countries is seen by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as a means to attract foreign travelers and help restore thousands of jobs in the Philippines.

In a statement, the DOT lauded the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) yesterday for recognizing the vaccination certificates of Argentina, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, Indonesia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Portugal and Spain.

“The DOT commits to working with other member-agencies of the IATF in making the travel process and requirements to the country easier for balikbayans and foreign tourists alike.  This move will greatly help in restoring jobs under the heavily impacted tourism industry,” said Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.

This development also raises to 157 the list countries/jurisdictions/territories whose citizens are allowed visa-free entry into the Philippines.

“We are grateful to the IATF for this development as we aim to make travel as seamless as possible for our travelers from visa-free countries,” Puyat said.

In the same statement, the tourism chief revealed that a vaccinated travel lane scheme has been agreed upon by the governments of the Philippines and Singapore in a bid to boost passenger arrivals from the island city-state.

Puyat also underscored the need to continue observing health and safety protocols.Last Friday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) echoed this reminder for foreign nationals transacting business in any of its offices nationwide as it stressed that COVID-19 remains a threat in the country.

“Wearing of face mask is compulsory. Everyone is encouraged to wear a face shield and other appropriate personal protective gear,” the BI said in an infomercial it posted on its official Facebook page.

The infomercial on the “BI New Normal” guidelines also gives notice to the public that fully vaccinated clients are exempted from its online appointment system, but shall be required to present their vaccination card or certification prior to entry.

The checking of body temperature is also required upon entering BI premises.

“Clients, visitors, officials and employees with a registered body temperature of at least 37.8 degree celsius will be denied entry,” it said.

Strict hygiene protocols such as using the disinfecting floor mats and alcohol/hand sanitizers are still provided by the BI to its clients, visitors and officials entering the offices.

Other measures such as social distancing are also in place.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated clients will have to continue securing an appointment online.

The same goes for registered foreigners reporting for the Annual Report 2022, the BI said. – Robertzon Ramirez