Cheaper swab tests for virus offered to tourists

MANILA, Philippines — Tourists can now avail themselves of a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for only P750 at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC), the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

The DOT, the Tourism Promotion Board and the PCMC have signed a deal to subsidize the RT-PCR test of 11,600 tourists.

Based on the memorandum of agreement, the DOT will subsidize 50 percent of the special rate worth P1,500 for the COVID-19 swab test administered by the PCMC for qualified locals or foreigners residing in the country as long as their purpose for travel is tourism.

To avail themselves of the subsidy, travelers must first register online to preschedule their RT-PCR test at tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel/ and submit a valid government-issued identification card, proof of hotel booking in a DOT-accredited accommodation establishment, and proof of mode of travel such as airline or bus ticket.

—Tina G. Santos