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DOT advises public to ‘travel wisely’ this Holy Week
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is advising the public to “travel wisely” to ensure safety during the Holy Week celebrations. “Travelers needing accommodation, tours, transportation, and other tourism-related services are strongly advised to patronize DOT-accredited tourism enterprises. Accreditation by the DOT recognizes establishments as having complied with the department’s minimum standards set.....»»
Stop accreditation of new motorcycle taxis, LTFRB asked
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board was asked yesterday to stop the accreditation of more motorcycle taxis as it would affect the income of drivers of existing public utility vehicles......»»
City urged to reconvene terminal accreditation body for PUJ, V-hire
City urged to reconvene terminal accreditation body for PUJ, V-hire.....»»
Travel agencies group warns about cheap, illegal operators
The Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) has issued a warning about unregistered and illegal travel and tour operators in their area. These operators have been found to be offering travel and tour services without proper licensing, leading to issues such as lack of refunds, scheduling problems, and other travel arrangement discrepancies. Pia Partoza Montano, a travel agency owner and Vice-President for the Travel and Tours Sector of DTAA, emphasized the prevalence of these unauthorized operators, particularly in inbound tourism, and the challenges in monitoring and regulating them due to their large numbers. Montano also highlighted the potential risks associated with using these unregistered agencies, as they may offer cheaper rates but could lead to problems in case of incidents. To address this issue, the Department of Tourism-Davao (DOT-Davao) has introduced a QR code system to help the public verify the legitimacy of travel agencies by accessing data on authorized and registered operators. The DOT-Davao encourages travelers to transact with accredited enterprises to ensure the quality and reliability of their travel arrangements. Currently, there are at least 109 registered travel and tour agencies in Davao City under DOT-Davao's accreditation. The DOT-Davao also provides information on the requirements for registration and renewal for travel agencies on their official website. This warning serves as a reminder for the public to be cautious and discerning when engaging with travel and tour operators to avoid falling victim to unauthorized and illegitimate services......»»
Aboitiz Construction gets quadruple A accreditation.
Aboitiz Construction gets quadruple A accreditation......»»
DOJ accredits PAGCOR’s alternative dispute resolution program
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Program has received recognition from the Department of Justice (DOJ) for achieving a high mediation success rate. The recognition makes PAGCOR and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines as the only government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) to have earned such accreditation from the DOJ. […].....»»
LNU defends accreditation of An Lantawan student publication
LNU defends accreditation of An Lantawan student publication.....»»
BoC-NAIA turns 63
Beyond Borders: A New Era for Digitalization and Customs Excellence was the theme chosen by the Bureau of Customs -Ninoy Aquino International Airport to commemorate its 63rd founding anniversary and over 60 years of dedicated public service. District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa emphasized the BoC-NAIA’s impressive accomplishments and development while Collector Mapa praised the port’s exceptional revenue collection record, which generated a total of P31.3 billion in revenue from January to September this year. This represented an increase of P1.3 billion over the prior year and outperformed the collection target for the time by P1.1 billion. This success demonstrates BoC-NAIA’s ongoing dedication to assisting the Bureau in achieving its broad objectives. Collector Mapa stated that in August 2023, BoC-NAIA passed its second surveillance audit for ISO quality management system certification, recognizing the value of simplified customs procedures. With 23 enrolled ISO-certified processes and 10 ISO support processes, the port has the most certified processes of any BOC port. With this accreditation, cargo clearance procedures are guaranteed to be recognized internationally, facilitating trade for stakeholders and customers. She added that BoC-NAIA will remain steadfast in its enforcement policies, intercepting narcotics with an estimated street value of P994 million in 2023. Collector Mapa highlighted the port’s role in preventing the entry of illicit goods, seizing a total of P1 billion worth of drugs, jewellery, wildlife, currencies, medicines, and other regulated items. The port received commendations from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for curbing wildlife smuggling. BoC-NAIA is aggressively advancing digitization initiatives in keeping with the celebration’s theme. The port is organizing consultative discussions for the electronic tracking of air cargo and is currently in the pilot testing phase of the electronic airwaybill filing. In addition, there are plans to categorize goods and work with pertinent organizations to integrate iDeclare into the e-travel system to provide a centralised platform for trip declarations. A memorandum of agreement between the BoC and the Philippine Postal Corporation was ceremonially signed during this celebration in an effort to speed up, secure and enhance the quality of customs clearance for postal commodities. At the ceremony, BoC-NAIA showcased its newly revamped website and E-Airway Bill System, showcasing its dedication to operating more efficiently. The event was capped off with awards for top imports and standout personnel, underscoring their critical contribution to the port’s development and prosperity. Collector Mapa expressed appreciation to Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, Deputy Commissioners, and Bureau of Customs employees for their assistance and the chance to assist stakeholders. Collector Mapa stressed the port’s commitment, saying, “This is who we are. This is the customary excellence we are honoured to exude. Unfazed by any threat. Straightforward in the application of policies and loyal to the direction of the agency Performing our duties even beyond borders and striving to introduce digitalization programs tailored for the unique operations of the airport.” Rubio, who graced the celebration, commended the BoC-NAIA for their hard work and dedication in forging economic growth and serving as a vital gateway for trade. “Reflecting upon the journey that brought us to this milestone after six eventful decades, we must acknowledge the individuals who have dedicated themselves to the development of the Port of NAIA — from the pioneers who envisioned its potential to the diligent officers who labor tirelessly day in and day out,” he said. The post BoC-NAIA turns 63 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Madocs’ halal kitchen
Manila Doctors Hospital is the first hospital in the Philippines to receive a halal-kitchen certification from the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines, a recognized halal-accreditation and -certifying body. MDH has established a dedicated Halal Dietary Services complete with a separate halal kitchen, which produces and serves quality, safe, and nutritious halal meals to Muslim patients, doctors and employees. Every aspect of food preparation from the procurement of halal-certified ingredients to food production, meal service, cleaning, and sanitation have been and will always be carefully looked at to ensure that it is strictly segregated from the regular kitchen of the hospital. MDH president Arlene P. Ledesma: “Our Muslim patients, doctors, nurses, technicians, and other employees stand to benefit from knowing that they can be served authentic halal food. It is a small step toward becoming a more inclusive workplace that celebrates and honors their religion and heritage.” Ledesma also reiterated the hospital’s full commitment in catering the different needs and food preferences of its diverse patient population, having been serving both local and international patients. MDH is also a DoH-accredited hospital for medical tourism. IDCP is a registered federation of 98 Muslim organizations throughout the country. The post Madocs’ halal kitchen appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
IDCP grants Manila Doctors Hospital certification for new halal kitchen facility
Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) made history by becoming the first hospital in the Philippines to receive the first halal kitchen certification from the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines (IDCP), a recognized halal accreditation and certifying body. An official contract signing held on 4 October solidified the hospital’s commitment to follow the standards and requirements set by the World Halal Council (WHC). MDH has established a dedicated Halal Dietary Services complete with a separate halal kitchen that produces and serves quality, safe, and nutritious halal meals to Muslim patients, doctors, and employees. As the first hospital to have a Halal-certified kitchen in the Philippines, every aspect of food preparation from the procurement of Halal-certified ingredients to food production, meal service, cleaning, and sanitation has been and will always be carefully looked at to ensure that it is strictly segregated from the regular kitchen of the hospital. MDH President Arlene P. Ledesma recognizes this pioneering certification as a milestone that marks a new chapter for the hospital. “Our Muslim patients, doctors, nurses, technicians, and other employees stand to benefit from knowing that they can be served authentic halal food. It is a small step towards becoming a more inclusive workplace that celebrates and honors their religion and heritage”, she said. The post IDCP grants Manila Doctors Hospital certification for new halal kitchen facility appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NDRRMC targets more durable, resilient evacuation centers
The government is considering the establishment of more durable and resilient evacuation centers nationwide as proposed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to further enhance the country’s evacuation system. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who also chairs the NDRRMC, convened the council’s member agencies in a third-quarter meeting in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday night. Teodoro said the council should focus on strengthening the disaster risk reduction and management as well as the adoption of “best practices for public interest.” “One of the highlights of the discussion was the status and enhanced design of evacuation centers. It can be recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed the importance of building resilient evacuation centers in his last State of the Nation Address to ensure the safety of the public in times of emergency,” the NDRRMC said in a statement released on Friday. The Office of Civil Defense and the Department of Public Works and Highways are looking into the proposal to improve the design of evacuation centers, including the prioritization mechanism through risk-based assessments. During the meeting, the council members also tackled considerations and updates on location and site suitability, structural and building capacity, and minimum standards on design and conceptual sketches. The NDRRMC noted that the proposed improved design of the evacuation center is still subject to finalization by concerned government agencies. The council also tackled and approved amendments to NDRRMC Memorandum Circular No. 64, s. 2021 or the Guidelines on the Accreditation and Protection of Community Disaster Volunteers; Memorandum Circular on the Guidelines on Mainstreaming DRRM in Health in Local Development; and the proposed revision on Memorandum Circular no. 110, s.2021 or the Revised Guidelines on the Administration of the NDRRM Fund. The enhanced guidelines tackled during the meeting will be disseminated to concerned stakeholders for implementation. A report from Climate Change Knowledge Portal for Development Practitioners and Policy Makers showed that some 19 to 20 typhoons enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility yearly, with 7-9 making landfall. Hence, several lawmakers pushed for the legislation of measures that aim to enhance the country’s evacuation system. Senate Bill 1652, or An Act establishing evacuation centers nationwide, filed by Senator Raffy Tulfo, seeks the establishment of evacuation centers in 146 cities and 1,488 municipalities nationwide. Under the proposed measure, these evacuation centers must have basic facilities, accessible locations, and adequate emergency supplies, such as water, medicine, and relief goods considering that the Philippines is one of the most typhoon-prone countries in the world. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also filed SB 940, or the Evacuation Center Act”, which seeks to establish evacuation centers in all cities nationwide. SB 940 provides that each location for every evacuation center shall be determined by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in close coordination with the local government units concerned, and must be centrally located in the community. It must also be at a safe distance from large trees and structures with hazardous materials, must be near a health facility, must be located on geotechnically stable land, and must not be located near military base camps and camps of insurgent groups. The post NDRRMC targets more durable, resilient evacuation centers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos prods Senate on seafarers’ magna carta
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent the enactment of the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers that specifies the rights and ensures the welfare of Filipino mariners. In a letter dated 25 September to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Marcos underscored the need to immediately pass Senate Bill 2221 to address deficiencies in the training and accreditation of Filipino seafarers. The President said the problem areas have been endangering the continued employment of Filipino seafarers in the European market. If the law is passed, Marcos said Filipinos will be assured of maritime training compliant with international standards. The House of Representatives passed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (House Bill 7325) on final reading on 6 March of this year with 304 votes in favor. The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is one of the 20 priority pieces of legislation that the President has asked Congress to approve by the end of the year, Zubiri said. The post Marcos prods Senate on seafarers’ magna carta appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Magna carta for seafarers certified as urgent welcomed
Senators welcomed the move of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent a proposed measure crafting a Magna Carta for seafarers. Senator Raffy Tulfo, the sponsor of Senate Bill 2221 otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, said the passage of the proposed measure will promote the welfare and continuous employment of seafarers on board foreign-owned vessels. "I am very happy that we have passed the first phase of the period of amendments for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers bill yesterday (25 Sept), which coincides with the celebration of the National Maritime Week,” he said. In a letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri dated 25 September, Marcos emphasized the need for the immediate enactment of SB 2221 to address "recurring deficiencies in our domestic laws pertaining to the training and accreditation of thousands of Filipino seafarers.” Tulfo expressed confidence that the bill will soon be passed into law. "Matapos ang unang stage ng period of amendment at ang suportang ito mula mismo kay Pangulong BBM, mas tiwala ako na mapapabilis ang pagsasabatas ng Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers bill," he said, as he rallied for the need to address shortcomings in the education and certification of Filipino mariners. Among other lawmakers who filed their versions of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers include Senators Joel Villanueva, Risa Hontiveros, Bato dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Robinhood Padilla, Cynthia Villar, Sonny Angara, Grace Poe, Win Gatchalian, Bong Revilla, Christopher Bong Go, Mark Villar, Loren Legarda, and Zubiri. Go, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers earlier cited the significant role of Filipino seafarers in global trade and marine transportation. He noted the industry’s huge contribution of all overseas Filipino workers to the country's economy. Go said the Philippines has been the primary source of maritime labor and considered the manning capital of seafarers globally since 1987. Of the 1.5 million mariners worldwide, 25 percent are Filipino sea-based workers, making them the single biggest nationality bloc in the maritime industry, he added. Hence, the passage of a proposed Magna Carta for the Seafarer must be crucial “for protecting the rights and welfare of seafarers in situations where they are vulnerable or exploited, such as during emergencies, accidents, or conflicts,” said Go. The post Magna carta for seafarers certified as urgent welcomed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers certified as urgent
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified as urgent the enactment of the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers to specify the rights and ensure the welfare of Filipino seafarers. In a letter dated 25 September to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Marcos underscored the need for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 2221, titled “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipinos Seafarers.” The enactment aims to address recurring deficiencies in the domestic laws on the training and accreditation of thousands of Filipino seafarers which endanger their employment in the European market in particular and the global maritime arena in general. “Pursuant to the provisions of the Article VI, Section 26 (2) of the 1987 Constitution, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of Senate Bill No. 2221,” Marcos' letter read. The bill, Marcos added, ensures that the Philippines will uphold its commitment to ensure that Filipino seafarers receive training, facilities, and equipment that are on par with international standards and those established by pertinent international conventions. The House of Representatives already passed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (House Bill No. 7325) on final reading on 6 March of this year with 304 votes in favor. The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is one of the 20 priority pieces of legislation that the President has requested Congress to approve by the end of the year, Zubiri said, who attended the third meeting of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) last week in Malacañang. The post Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers certified as urgent appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pope ‘talks Ukraine peace’ with new Russian envoy
Pope Francis met on Monday with the new Russian ambassador to the Vatican, who said they discussed the pontiff's efforts to bring peace to Ukraine. Ivan Soltanovsky, a long-time diplomat, presented his formal accreditation to the 86-year-old head of the Catholic Church, according to a Vatican statement. They "discussed, in particular, the mission of the papal special envoy to Ukraine, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, aimed at solving a number of humanitarian issues", Soltanovsky told Russia's official TASS news agency. "They agreed to continue an honest and open dialogue with the Holy See, traditionally built on the basis of mutual respect," the diplomat added. Earlier this year the pope appointed Zuppi, the head of Italy's Bishops' Conference, to lead a peace mission to try to stop the war in Ukraine. Zuppi has since visited Kyiv, Moscow, Beijing and Washington, where he met with US President Joe Biden. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov suggested last week the cardinal would return to Moscow. During a roundtable event, he said, according to TASS: "The efforts with the Vatican, whose envoy is going to come again, are continuing. "We are ready to meet with everyone, we are ready to talk to everyone." Pope Francis regularly calls for peace in Ukraine, although in the early months after Russia invaded its neighbour in February 2022 he drew criticism for not naming Moscow as the aggressor. He paid a rare personal visit to the Russian embassy to the Holy See the day after the invasion to "express his concern for the war", the Vatican said at the time. The post Pope ‘talks Ukraine peace’ with new Russian envoy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sandiganbayan convicts late Teves’ co-accused
The Sandiganbayan convicted three ex-officials of the now defunct Technology and Livelihood Resource Center and two others over P9.6 million worth of ghost projects funneled through the pork barrel of the late Negros Oriental lawmaker Herminio Teves in 2007. The anti-graft court’s Third Division found ex-TLRC deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, ex-chief accountant Marivic Jover, ex-legislative liaison office officer-in-charge Belina Concepcion, Teves’s then chief-of-staff Hiram Pulido and Molugan Foundation Inc. president Samuel Bombeo guilty of one count each of graft and malversation. They were sentenced to up to 28 years in prison and perpetually disqualified from holding public office. They were also ordered to pay back the P9.6 million, with interest of 6 percent per annum. TLRC’s erstwhile department manager, Francisco Figura, meanwhile, was acquitted of the same charges. The Sandigabayan also dismissed the case against the principal accused, Teves, owing to his passing. Filed by the Ombudsman in 2017, the graft and malversation charge arose from the disbursement of Teves’s P9.6-million Priority Development Assistance Fund or PDAF to Molugan Foundation Inc., a non-governmental organization controlled by Bombeo. The Ombudsman said Teves “unilaterally chose” MFI as the implementor of his livelihood program drawn from his P10-million pork barrel that was originally intended for the depressed barangays and constituents in his district. State prosecutors proved that the PDAF was used for ghost or non-existent projects. Of the total, P9.6 million went to MFI, while P400,000 went to TLRC as a service fee. MFI did not have the capacity to implement the project as it was incorporated only in 2007, the year it was tasked to implement the PDAF project, the Ombudsman told the court. The respondents were accused of causing undue injury to the government by giving unwarranted benefits and advantages to MFI. “There is no doubt that the acts of Concepcion, Cunanan, Jover, Pulido and Bombeo caused undue injury to the government in the amount of P9,600,000 which to date remains unaccounted for,” the Sandiganbayan said in its 68-page ruling. The court also ruled that the respondents’ act of extending unwarranted benefits to a private party “without the proper accreditation” and the “lack of legal basis,” considering it was not one of the implementing agencies identified in the 2007 General Appropriations Act, were in violation of CoA Circular No. 96-003. “The totality of the facts and circumstances demonstrates that the accused, through manifest partiality, gross inexcusable negligence and/or evident bad faith, committed the offense of violation of Section 3(e) of RA No. 3019, causing undue injury to the government and giving unwarranted benefits to Bombeo and MFI,” the court said. The post Sandiganbayan convicts late Teves’ co-accused appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Undergrads with more than 5 years work experience can get a bachelor’s degree
The House of Representatives on late Monday approved on final reading a bill that seeks to allow undergraduates who have been working professionals with more than five years of experience to earn a bachelor's degree. With 251 affirmative votes, the lower chamber passed House Bill 9015, or the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program Act, wherein working professionals who, for some reason, were either unable to finish or completely unable to step into college to obtain a bachelor's degree. The ETEEAP program, operated by virtue of Executive Order 330 signed by the late then-President Fidel Ramos on 10 May 1996, allows working professionals to still earn a bachelor's degree without going through traditional schooling methods. Under the House-approved measure, senior high school graduates, post-secondary technical-vocational graduates, and college undergraduates who have become professionals with an aggregate of five or more years of work experience could obtain a college degree. The legislation requires that undergraduates utilize the knowledge, experiences, achievements, and skills they acquired via their employment to earn academic credits, which would then be deducted from the overall number of units or credits necessary for graduation. Undergraduates are also required to fulfill the requirements of Section 10 of the Alternative Learning System Act (RA 11510), to obtain certification from the Department of Education. Undergraduates of at least 23 years of age and with at least five years of work experience are eligible to apply under the program. Other requirements include a completed ETEEAP Application form, certification of passing the DepEd's accreditation and equivalency assessment, employment certificates, birth certificates, resume, curriculum vitae, service record or employment certificate, and job description signed by the employer and a transcript of records. The Commission on Higher Education, which will spearhead the provisions of the proposed law, will be given additional powers and functions in relation to the ETEEAP. The post Undergrads with more than 5 years work experience can get a bachelor’s degree appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sandiganbayan convicts 3 TLRC ex-officials, 2 others over P9.6M PDAF scam
The Sandiganbayan convicted three ex-officials of the now-defunct Technology and Livelihood Resource Center and two others over their involvement in the P9.6 million worth of ghost projects funneled through the pork barrel fund of the late Negros Oriental lawmaker Herminio Teves in 2007. The anti-graft court’s Third Division handed down a 68-page decision, which found ex-TLRC deputy director general Dennis Cunanan, ex-TLRC chief accountant Marivic Jover, ex-TLRC legislative liaison office officer-in-charge Belina Concepcion, Teves’ then-chief-staff Hiram Pulido and Molugan Foundation Inc. president Samuel Bombeo, guilty of one count each of graft and malversation. They were sentenced to up to 28 years in prison and perpetually disqualified from holding public office. They were also ordered to pay the P9.6 million, or the amount malversated with a legal interest of 6 percent per annum. TLRC’s erstwhile department manager Francisco Figura, meanwhile, was acquitted of the same charges. The Sandigabayan also dismissed the case against the principal accused Teves owing to his passing. Filed by the Ombudsman in 2017, the graft and malversation charge arose from the disbursement of Teves’ P9.6 million Priority Development Assistance Fund or PDAF to Molugan Foundation Inc., a non-governmental organization controlled by Bombeo. The Ombudsman said Teves “unilaterally chose” MFI as an implementor of his livelihood program drawn from his P10-million pork barrel that was originally intended for the depressed barangays and constituents in his district. However, state prosecutors probe later revealed that the pork barrel funds were instead used to fund projects that turned out to be a ghost. Of the total, P9.6 million went to the MFI while P400,000 went to TLRC as a service fee. The Ombudsman also found that the MFI did not have the capacity to implement the project as it was incorporated only in 2007, the year it was tasked to implement the PDAF project. Thus, the respondents were accused of causing undue injury to the government by giving unwarranted benefits and advantages to the MFI. In convicting the accused, the Sandiganbayan said, “There is no doubt that the acts of Concepcion, Cunanan, Jover, Pulido, and Bombeo caused undue injury to the government in the amount of P9,600,000.00, which to date, remains unaccounted for.” The court also ruled that their acts of extending unwarranted benefits to a private party “without the proper accreditation” and the “lack of legal basis” considering it was not one of the implementing agencies identified in the 2007 General Appropriations Act were in violation of COA Circular No. 96-003. “The totality of the facts and circumstances demonstrates that the said accused, through manifest partiality, gross inexcusable negligence and/or evident bad faith, committed the offense of violation of Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019, causing undue injury to the government and giving unwarranted benefits to Bombeo and MFI,” the court said. The post Sandiganbayan convicts 3 TLRC ex-officials, 2 others over P9.6M PDAF scam appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dive industry country’s revenue driver —DoT chief
The dive industry in the country has been a catalyst in luring more tourists and Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Frasco said the Marcos Jr. administration remains upbeat in making it sustainable in the years to come. During the inaugural Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue last Thursday, 14 September 2023, Frasco said the contribution of the dive industry to Philippine tourism was evident in 2022, with the country gaining an estimated P37 billion in tourist receipts from international dive visitors, which constituted over 17.5 percent of the country’s entire tourism receipts last year. The two-day convergence of relevant national and local government agencies as well as the Department’s partners from the private sector was held with an eye to sustaining the success of the country’s dive tourism industry and in fulfillment of the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for the Philippines to attain a tourism industry that is “inclusive, where the benefits of tourism are felt far and wide across the countryside.” Very first DoT Dive Committee Said Frasco, “The effort, therefore, requires the ability to listen, to understand the prevailing challenges that are present and require solutions that can only be reached with collaboration, convergence, and unity. That is why early on, in the Marcos administration, we, in the Department of Tourism, mandated the formation of the very first DoT Dive Committee.” The event featured significant panel discussions that centered on Marine Environmental Protection and Conservation; Dive Niche Products: Free Diving, Scuba Diving, Black Water Diving, and Underwater Photography; Philippine Dive: Domestic/International Marketing Campaign; Safety, Standards, and Accreditation of Tourism-related Enterprises for Scuba Diving; and Investment Opportunities in the Dive Industry. The dialogue comes on the heels of The Philippines’ fifth straight win as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2023. Herself a certified diver, the DoT chief sits as the chair of the Department’s Dive Committee which brings together the DoT and its attached agencies, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, the Tourism Promotions Board, and the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving to support the needs of the dive industry and expand its current portfolio. According to the tourism chief, the hosting of the first-ever Dive Dialogue in Cebu is also fitting given Central Visayas’ status as one of the country’s premier dive tourist destinations, home as it is to multitude world-class dive spots other than the region being currently, among the most-visited destinations by overnight regional travelers. Not only Central Visayas While Central Visayas was the site of the inaugural Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue, Secretary Frasco said that the event also puts a spotlight on many other key and emerging dive sites across the country. “The focus of the Department of Tourism is to target various markets, whether that be families, solo travelers, luxe travelers, groups, and the like. And we have very specific programs that are targeted to various niche markets specifically for diving. We have dive enthusiasts from all over the world and many jurisdictions including North Asia, as well as Europe, to whom diving has been a very strong product for the Philippines,” she said. “We fully intend to capitalize on that and open up to new markets, especially in Europe in the Middle East by making sure that we can collaborate with the Department of Transportation to mount more flights coming into the country from those places,” she added. The post Dive industry country’s revenue driver —DoT chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iloilo International Airport receives ISO Certification
The Iloilo International Airport received an official certification for its Environmental Management System (ISO 14001) awarded by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines together with the Local Government Unit of Iloilo, the European Aviation Safety Agency, and a certification body from Bureau Veritas. The awarding ceremony was held at the airport’s departure area and was attended by CAAP officials and representatives from the Iloilo LGU, EASA and Bureau Veritas. According to the “Plan, Do, Check, and Act” method of environmental regulation compliance, ISO 14001 outlines the requirements for an Environmental Management System. It lays out a framework that a business or organization may use. In addition to these benefits, it aids businesses in increasing resource efficiency and reducing waste, giving them a competitive edge and the confidence of stakeholders. Iloilo International Airport received the accreditation on 31 May 2023, and it is a mark of distinction given to organizations that have guaranteed that their environmental impact is being measured and improved. On 7 July 2020, the airport’s journey towards accreditation started, and an Environmental Management Team was established to concentrate on this objective. Several EMS efforts were carried out to raise awareness and disseminate information among the partner agencies, stakeholders, and workers of the airport to get ready for the assessment of ISO 14001 compliance. These initiatives were intended to guarantee that the community around the Iloilo International Airport had a thorough awareness of EMS. The airport went through two audit stages on 6 January and 2-3 February, respectively, to achieve the “recommended” status for certification. CAAP-Iloilo International Airport finally obtained the certification, which is slated to expire on 31 May 2026, thanks to their tenacious efforts and the backing of CAAP management to assure the maintenance of established standards and compliance with ISO 14001. CAAP, the organization managing and running Iloilo International Airport, welcomed the accomplishment with great pride. CAAP is confident that this will be an example for other CAAP-operated airports to pursue EMS certification and offer the Filipino people a top-tier, environmentally sound air transportation industry. CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo said that being eco-friendly in its operations has always been an aspiration of the global aviation community. This achievement is a testament to CAAP’s commitment to creating a greener environment and future for the benefit of its stakeholders and the whole airport community. The post Iloilo International Airport receives ISO Certification appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»