Vaccinees who got 2nd dose from Nov. 15-30 get free Fort Santiago tour

Visitors have their souvenir photos taken by the Gate of Fort Santiago. The Fort is among the few tourism/historical sites finally opened to the public in Intramuros, Manila during the general community quarantine period.  INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — Visitors who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 from November 15 to 30 can enter Fort Santiago for free, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Friday.

Only vaccinees who received their second vaccine dose from November 15 to 30 can tour Fort Santiago for free, the DOT said. Vaccinees who got their second vaccine dose before November 15 are not qualified.

Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said this is the DOT’s way of helping boost the government’s vaccination program.

“Granting incentives is one way to encourage the undecided to oblige in this nationwide effort,” Puyat said in a statement.

Guests who wish to avail of the free program should present their vaccination card or certificates — with dates of vaccinations — at the park’s entrance gates.

During the said period, fully vaccinated visitors to Fort Santiago and Baluarte San Diego will also receive free Beep cards, with a cap of 50 guests per day.

Unvaccinated guests, however, or those who have only received their first dose can still enter Fort Santiago but will have to pay the entrance fee.

Fort Santiago charges a P75 entrance fee for regular visitors and P50 for discounted eligible visitors such as seniors, students, and persons with disabilities.

DOT previously said 100 percent of Intramuros Administration workers, including its outsourced security and janitorial staff, have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Intramuros sites like Fort Santiago were reopened to the public in September.

/MUF