Atty. Plaza explains new tourism policy
(April 19, 2018)
Atty. Premolito Plaza recently clarified the guiding principles on how to effectively address the potential difficulties and new problems arising when it comes to tourism at the local setting.
With a major focus on crafting an executive order respecting the regulation, control and monitoring of tourists in the island, the Administrator detailed the salient provisions of the new proposed Executive Order to remedy the matter and address the apprehensions of some.
Recognizing the sad experience when something is put to bad light, Atty. Plaza stressed that prompt response to any untoward incident shall mean adequate supply of medicine, first aid treatment and other potential interventions on the ground.
“We cannot be 100% equipped. Our aim is self-preservation to protect ourselves. Greater safety and welfare must be countenanced. Negligence is viewed, for instance, on the part of the hotel, the guest and the local government, if there is actual performance of their responsibilities or official discharge of their functions. Where do the buck stops? That is why due care to guests must be observed at all cost,” said Atty. Plaza.
Observance of rules and regulations, according to the Administrator, must also be directed toward scrutinizing the house rules.
Meanwhile, he also highlighted the two-pronged objective of local governance, which are – to protect, and to provide the needs of the people.
“When individuals cannot take care of themselves, only then, that the government comes in. Parental responsibility means protecting your children pursuant to the Family Code and the Civil Code of the republic of the Philippines,” added Plaza.
He also rationalized the institutional mechanisms in place as well as proactive and reactive measures, which include penalties for violators.
“This Executive Order seeks to arrest possible difficulties in the ground, with reference to the Tourism Act, other kindred ordinances and germane laws which cover, among many things, issues and concerns like the security of the tourists, quality of services rendered and expected of them, beside the point of entry,” said Plaza.
Calling attention to baseline data which is the point of illustration in terms of the influx of tourists, Atty. Plaza also clarified on the need to institute a system of registration and monitoring, which principally require tourists to register.
Ease of transportation, he spelled out, would also cover matters respecting access, protection, road security, convenience and online booking.
It is incumbent upon LTO, he said, to keep an eye on vehicles being ferried, in terms of their license and legal permit to do so.
Control slip, he emphasized, must be issued to each passenger, especially the high-profile ones.
Tariff and accommodation must also be properly taken up as well as the handling of guests and the capability of all concerned to manage such.
“We need to look into the manner of accreditation, as well as the presence of medics and lifeguards in every resot. These lifeguards must be duly recognized by the proper institutions assigned to such purpose. CCTVs must also be installed in strategic areas in consonance with the edict from Camp Crame,” said Plaza.
Service providers, he maintained, must be fully accredited at the same time that there must be a complete inventory of suitable areas for surfing, which is an activity categorized as extreme sports.
“Establishments must put visible signages. Surf trainers must be thoroughly evaluated and carefully assessed. With the support of national line agencies, we must ensure that every stakeholder is compliant with the foremost job in line with the doctrine of due care and due diligence,” said Atty. Plaza.
by: John Glenn Platil
Atty. Premolito Plaza recently clarified the guiding principles on how to effectively address the potential difficulties and new problems arising when it comes to tourism at the local setting.
With a major focus on crafting an executive order respecting the regulation, control and monitoring of tourists in the island, the Administrator detailed the salient provisions of the new proposed Executive Order to remedy the matter and address the apprehensions of some.
Recognizing the sad experience when something is put to bad light, Atty. Plaza stressed that prompt response to any untoward incident shall mean adequate supply of medicine, first aid treatment and other potential interventions on the ground.
“We cannot be 100% equipped. Our aim is self-preservation to protect ourselves. Greater safety and welfare must be countenanced. Negligence is viewed, for instance, on the part of the hotel, the guest and the local government, if there is actual performance of their responsibilities or official discharge of their functions. Where do the buck stops? That is why due care to guests must be observed at all cost,” said Atty. Plaza.
Observance of rules and regulations, according to the Administrator, must also be directed toward scrutinizing the house rules.
Meanwhile, he also highlighted the two-pronged objective of local governance, which are – to protect, and to provide the needs of the people.
“When individuals cannot take care of themselves, only then, that the government comes in. Parental responsibility means protecting your children pursuant to the Family Code and the Civil Code of the republic of the Philippines,” added Plaza.
He also rationalized the institutional mechanisms in place as well as proactive and reactive measures, which include penalties for violators.
“This Executive Order seeks to arrest possible difficulties in the ground, with reference to the Tourism Act, other kindred ordinances and germane laws which cover, among many things, issues and concerns like the security of the tourists, quality of services rendered and expected of them, beside the point of entry,” said Plaza.
Calling attention to baseline data which is the point of illustration in terms of the influx of tourists, Atty. Plaza also clarified on the need to institute a system of registration and monitoring, which principally require tourists to register.
Ease of transportation, he spelled out, would also cover matters respecting access, protection, road security, convenience and online booking.
It is incumbent upon LTO, he said, to keep an eye on vehicles being ferried, in terms of their license and legal permit to do so.
Control slip, he emphasized, must be issued to each passenger, especially the high-profile ones.
Tariff and accommodation must also be properly taken up as well as the handling of guests and the capability of all concerned to manage such.
“We need to look into the manner of accreditation, as well as the presence of medics and lifeguards in every resot. These lifeguards must be duly recognized by the proper institutions assigned to such purpose. CCTVs must also be installed in strategic areas in consonance with the edict from Camp Crame,” said Plaza.
Service providers, he maintained, must be fully accredited at the same time that there must be a complete inventory of suitable areas for surfing, which is an activity categorized as extreme sports.
“Establishments must put visible signages. Surf trainers must be thoroughly evaluated and carefully assessed. With the support of national line agencies, we must ensure that every stakeholder is compliant with the foremost job in line with the doctrine of due care and due diligence,” said Atty. Plaza.
by: John Glenn Platil
