MANILA – An agreement was signed on Monday paving the way for the construction of Tourist First Aid Facilities (FFAF) in key tourist destinations in the country.
The Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Health (DOH) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the establishment of the facilities with the aim of addressing the common concerns of first aid emergency response in the different tourist destinations.
In her speech during the signing ceremony in Makati City, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed optimism as the DOT embarks on what she calls a “historic partnership” with DOH and TIEZA that will convey to the world the message, one which will serve as a cornerstone to the Philippine tourism industry’s transformation into a tourism powerhouse: “In the Philippines, tourist safety is our top priority.”
According to Frasco, in line with the United Nations Tourism Organization (WTO) declaration that “health, safety, security, and hygiene” are crucial for tourism sustainability and competitiveness, if tourists become ill or injured during their trip to the different island destinations, the country must be able to ensure proper, rapid and equal care onsite.
This sentiment was echoed by TIEZA, saying that the partnership accepts this new direction for the benefit of the tourism industry.
“We, at the TIEZA, wholeheartedly support this partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) as we share the same goal of ensuring the health and security of our tourists,” TIEZA said in a statement.
According to TIEZA, the Board of Directors approved and appropriated the amount of PHP 47.5 million for the first batch of TFAFs.
“We are confident that with the realization of the positive effects of the TFAFs, more and more units will be procured and placed throughout the country,” TIEZA stated.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Jr., and TIEZA Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mark Lapid, represented by Assistant COO Atty. Joy Bulauitan, ceremonially signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Makati City on Monday.
The first batch of first aid facilities and booths will be set up in Boracay, La Union, Palawan, Panglao (Bohol), Siargao and Puerto Galera, the DOT revealed.
According to Frasco, the facility shall serve a dual purpose of preventive care, while the second floor shall serve as the life guard station or viewing deck to oversee the condition of tourists.
To complement the facilities, Frasco mentioned that in tourist destinations with long stretches of coastlines, Tourist First Aid Booths will be provided with solar power, first aid supplies, automated external defribrillators or AED; a pullout stretcher; a CCTV camera; and a two-way communication system to a command center for distress calls.
Frasco mentioned that they are targeting to build the first facility in La Union as early as next month and to complete all facilities by the first quarter of the next year.
Meanwhile, the DOH will be tapped for its expertise in the operation of healthcare facilities, as well as the experience of personnel in handling emergencies and providing immediate intervention to safeguard the lives of tourists.
Frasco, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa, Jr., and TIEZA Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mark Lapid, represented by Assistant COO Atty. Joy Bulauitan, ceremonially signed the MOU.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by DOT Assistant Secretary Judilyn Quiachon, TIEZA ACOO Atty. Karen Mae Sarinas-Baydo, and DOH Undersecretary Dr. Elmer Punzalan.
“With the forging of this convergence and the signing of this historic agreement between our agencies, I would like to assure our tourism stakeholders in the private sector who have joined us today, as well as our stakeholders all over the Philippines that the Marcos Administration is doing all that it can to transform the tourism landscape of our country towards global competitiveness cognizant that an enhanced overall tourism experience will ultimately ensure longer staying tourists, repeat visits, and more economic opportunities, livelihood and income for our fellow Filipinos and the businesses that depend on tourism in the country,” Frasco emphasized.
