To elevate the safety standards in the country’s tourist destinations, the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), have officially partnered to establish the country’s first Tourist First Aid Facilities.
“It is with immense gratitude that the Department of Health, under the leadership of Secretary Ted Herbosa, has accepted our proposal for a convergence to prioritize tourist safety. With the infrastructure to be built by TIEZA, we shall tap the expertise of the Department of Health in the operation of healthcare facilities, as well as the experience of their personnel in handling emergencies and providing immediate intervention to safeguard the lives of our tourists,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco SAID.
According to Frasco, the United Nations Tourism has declared health, safety, security, and hygiene crucial for tourism sustainability and competitiveness.
“It is our honor and privilege to join you for the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Health, the Department of Tourism, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority on this Tourist Emergency Facilities, especially in the identified five gems of our country. This initiative, directed by our President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., marks a significant step in our commitment to enhancing the well-being of both local and international tourists in the Philippines,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Jr. said.
Under the MOU, the agencies have agreed to build the inaugural batch of Tourist First Aid Facilities in areas with a high concentration of tourists including La Union; Boracay Island in Aklan; Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte; Panglao Island in Bohol; Palawan; and Puerto Galera.
According to the tourism chief, La Union will be the first to break ground next month, with the expected completion in the first quarter of 2025. The DOT’s attached agency, TIEZA, will be spearheading the design and construction of the facilities which will function as emergency response centers for tourists encountering accidents or injuries during their visit.
