CALAMBA CITY (PIA) – Planning a trip this Holy Week break? Make sure to check into accommodations only accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the agency advised the public.

Jhera San Valentin, DOT senior tourism operations officer said that the accommodations that have been accredited by the agency have undergone stringent safety checks to ensure a quality vacation experience for tourists.

“During vacations, we usually advise tourists to only deal with DOT-accredited accommodations. Since they are DOT-accredited, we can assure that they are safe and will experience standard [hospitality] services,” San Valentin explained. 

While it is highly encouraged to opt for accredited hotels and accommodations, the Tourism department noted that there are still tourists who are unaware of whether their lodgings are accredited or meet government standards. 

To address this, the DOT Calabarzon regional office maintains its coordination with local government units to monitor complaints coming from guests of accredited and even non-accredited establishments.

She added: “Non-DOT-accredited accommodations are outside of our jurisdiction, but we coordinate with local government units to check on these places. Through our advisories, they can double-check with these facilities.”

DOT also banks on their counterparts in local governments to look after these places. 

San Valentin said: “We usually have a meeting with local tourism officers to remind them to be vigilant and take care of tourists during these times. We do this on top of regular issuances of related Memorandum Circulars.” 

Expecting the influx of travelers during the long weekend, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the DOT have started inspecting Batangas Port and other ports of entry in the region to ensure public safety. 

The newly-built passenger terminal building at Batangas Port which can hold up to 8,000 passengers is now fully operational, in time for the Lent and the summer season.

Throughout the Calabarzon region, there will be 26,851 police officers and force multipliers who will be deployed for the Holy Week and Summer season, particularly in places of convergence and tourist spots. (PB/PIA-4A)