DOT welcomes lifting of COVID-19 pandemic

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is one with the entire nation in welcoming the World Health Organization’s declaration of the end Covid-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

“The end of the pandemic signals hope that tourism in the Philippines will continue to thrive and transform into a powerhouse that can be fueled by the hard work, distinct hospitality, love and warmth, and pride of place of the Filipino people,” the DOT said in their Facebook post.

The DOT said that the unprecedented loss of life and livelihood brought by the pandemic caused so much suffering and upended the lives of countless Filipinos, including millions of tourism stakeholders and workers across the country.

“The service and sacrifice of so many have helped our country surmount one of the greatest challenges of our time, and for that, we are truly grateful,” the tourism department added.

The DOT added they have started to institute policies to fully open up Philippine tourism to the world, encourage the promotion of livelihood and the creation of jobs, and usher in the influx of investment, so tourism may benefit as many Filipinos as possible.

More than three years after the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO has lifted COVID-19 as a PHEIC.

“This is an acknowledgement of our effective and collaborative COVID-19 response and concerted efforts to fully recover and re-open our economy,” said the Department of Health, in a separate statement. (FREEMAN)