MANILA — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday sent condolences to the bereaved family of Gaia Trimarchi, the 7-year-old girl who died from jellyfish sting while on vacation in Caramoan, Camarines Sur.
DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat has instructed the agency to extend full assistance and swift response to “urgent matters” related to the incident.
The DOT issued an advisory to all stakeholders in the region, seeking for a stronger measure to ensure the safety and security of tourists in the area.
Currently, all DOT regional directors are meeting to discuss ways in further improving engagement with all local government leaders in Philippine tourist sites in creating a safe environment for visitors.
“This is in constant pursuit of our mandate to act as the primary planning, programming, coordinating, implementing and regulatory agency in promoting and developing tourism in the Philippines,” the DOT said in a statement.
Trimarchi, a Filipino-Italian swimmer, was wading through the shallow waters of Sabitang Laya Island, the last stop in their Caramoan island-hopping tour, when her mother heard her cry in pain. When her family got to her, part of the child’s leg already turned violet.
Trimarchi was declared dead on arrival at the Caramoan Municipal Hospital. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA)
