DOT announces reopening of Batangas diving resorts

MANILA, Philippines — Recreational diving is now allowed in select resorts in Batangas province, the Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed Wednesday.

This announcement came after Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), signed PCSSD Administrative Order No. 2020-001 or the Guidelines on the Operations of Dive Establishments Under a Community Quarantine.

“Dive establishments in Batangas Province, insofar as the area is still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), are hereby determined to be permitted to accept guests for Recreational Diving, taking into consideration the general preparedness of the area and its impact on the tourism industry,” Puyat said in a statement.

Puyat said only those who live in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ) may enter Batangas.

The government will also remain “optimistic yet cautious” for reopening diving sites, the tourism chief added.

“We remind everyone to Test Before Travel and likewise reiterate that only those with a valid DOT and/or PCSSD Accreditation will be permitted to operate. While guests of all ages from GCQ and MGCQ areas are welcome, the activity is off-limits to those with comorbidities and currently pregnant,” she said.

DOT provided digital contact tracing application to Mabini, Batangas local government unit (LGU) for more efficient tracing method. Miggy Dumlao, Inquirer.net, trainee

JPV