DOT to LGUs: Set up medical aid stations in tourist spots

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday announced that it has coordinated with local government units (LGUs) to set up medical facilities in tourist destinations ahead of the Holy Week break.

Tourism Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno said the DOT has already instructed its regional offices to coordinate with LGUs in setting up medical assistance facilities to be able to attend to tourists and locals requiring emergency medical assistance.

“The Department of Tourism, in anticipation of the high tourist influx in our destinations for the summer season, nag-issue na kami to all our regional offices to closely coordinate with the local government units in setting up the emergency care systems and facilities as well as safety and security measures in these high-tourist destinations,” Bueno said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay at Cafe Adriatico.

Bueno pointed out that in Siargao Island, considered the surfing capital of the country, LGUs have established medical aid stations manned by a doctor and nurses.

“So Surigao [del Norte] naman, particularly Siargao Island, responded. Way before pa, they have been meeting and the provincial governor nga has issued a letter to the municipal mayors that for one, each municipality will set up a doctor and nurses station,” Bueno said. 

Bueno said the tourist assistance center for each municipality will still be present alongside a “ 24/7 peace and order monitoring and the continuous monitoring for the solid wastes.” /gsg