By Pearl Gumapos and Christine Fabro
Further investigation into the closure of a resort in Caloocan City revealed that it was not a Department of Tourism-accredited establishment, a certification that recognizes an enterprise that it has complied with the minimum standards for operations.
In a statement released by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday, (May 11), it emphasized the importance of transacting with DOT-accredited establishments in order to protect consumers from poor services.
The DOT lauded the “swift and resolute action” taken by Caloocan Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan, who ordered the closure of The Gubat sa Ciudad Resort in Barangay 171, Caloocan City, after it violated quarantine protocols on Sunday (May 9).
“Buong pwersa ng batas ang ipapataw sa mga may-ari at operator ng resort, kasama na ang mga nag-swimming at ang mga pinuno ng barangay na tila nagpabaya sa kanilang tungkulin,” Malapitan said, after it was confirmed that the resort did not obey the health protocols established by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
Malapitan issued directives taking away the resort’s license to operate and launching an investigation into the incident.
He also ordered rigorous contract tracing, close monitoring, and appropriate and timely RT-PCR testing of all the individuals who went to the resort.
Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Dino told PTV that not only will the barangay captain be punished, but also the barangay captain, as well as the owner of the Ciudad resort and the policemen who failed to act upon the increase of people at the gathering.
“Mananagot ang may-ari [ng Ciudad Resort] dahil unang-una, naka-MECQ tayo. Dapat noong [dumadami na ang tao], dapat sinita as early as possible,” he said, adding that the resort’s license has been revoked.
The DOT reminded the public to “engage in responsible tourism” by observing all health and safety protocols implemented by the government.
Caloocan City and the rest of Metro Manila, as well as four nearby provinces, are still under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) which imposes restrictions on leisure areas and activities. – (DOT) -jlo
