By Naomi Tiburcio
The Department of Tourism insisted that the service offered through the “Immunity Booster Program” of an exclusive hotel resort in Balesin Island Club is not a “medical emergency”.
Part of the program is a swab test, immune booster pack, Thalassotherapy, IV immune drip, and hyperbaric oxygen treatment which is claimed to help boost the immune system of a person against COVID-19.
On March 22, Monday, non-essential travel was prohibited from the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus bubble (Bulacan, Rival, Cavite at Laguna) to other regions until April 4.
Balesin Island Club reasoned that its case is an exception so trips of tourists are allowed from the NCR Plus bubble to the resort since its service is considered a “medical emergency”.
“In August last year, when NCR was locked down, Balesin was allowed to reopen for precisely the same medical reason. All Balesin visitors were required to undergo an Immunity Booster Program at Aegle Wellness Center. Aegle Wellness Center is an extensive medical facility on Balesin, which is staffed by doctors and other medical personnel on a 24/7 basis,” Balesin Island Club cited in its statement.
In the Laging Handa Public Briefing, Usec. Benito Bengzon Jr. revealed that the DOT is now communicating with the said resort.
“Hindi pinapayagan ang movement from NCR Plus to that particular resort. Kung sinasabing ginagawa nila ito dati, maaaring ginagawa nila ito noong wala pang restrictions. Pero sa ngayon very clear ang guidelines ng IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases] hindi ka pwede lumabas sa tinatawag nating bubble except for exceptional cases, humanitarian or medical emergency (Movement is not allowed from NCR Plus to that particular resort. If they claim that they did this before, they may have done this when there were no restrictions yet. But now, the IATF guidelines are very clear that no one is allowed to go out of what we call the bubble except for exceptional cases, humanitarian or medical emergency),” the official clarified.
The DOT also made an appeal to tourists and tourism establishments to abide by the rules of the IATF to stop COVID-19 from spreading.
“Sa nakikita po namin, hindi maituturing na medical emergency yung ino-offer nilang services. Ang request namin sa mga travelers, sundin ang guidelines base sa IATF Resolution 104 (The way we see it, the services they offer is not a medical emergency. We are requesting travelers to follow the guidelines based on IATF Resolution 104),” Usec. Bengzon maintained.
After the IATF announced the implementation of the NCR Plus bubble, the DOT immediately met with airlines, hotels, resorts, and travel agencies to rebook or refund guests who booked for their services in coming two weeks.
“Makakaapekto itong bagong paghihigpit dahil historically itong pagpasok ng Holy Week ay peak period for domestic travel. Marami sa pamilya, magkakaibigan namamasyal pagdating ng Holy Week (This restriction will affect [tourism] because historically the start of the Holy Week signals the peak period for domestic travel. Many families, friends make their tours during Holy Week),” Usec. Bengzon pointed out.
Despite this, the agency reiterated its reminder to follow health protocols for the slow but sure rise of the tourism sector.
