RT-PCR test free for local tourists: DOT

Starting this Monday, the Department of Tourism (DOT) will have a free RT-PCR test for qualified local tourists.

It is amid the easing of domestic travel in various parts of the Philippines amid the ongoing pandemic.

According to Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, previously, only the swab test portion was subsidized. But many are still expensive, so that the agency will pay for the COVID-19 test.

Those interested in the free RT-PCR test can apply online at the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

“Maga-apply sila online sa TPB. Kailangan lang nilang ipakita na they are in a DOT-accredited hotel at may return ticket, kasi we can only pay for tourist,” said Puyat.

The test will be conducted at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City. The DOT plans to increase the number of hospitals where testing can take place.

“Ilang beses ka puwedeng mag-avail nitong libreng swab testing? As many as you want,” said Puyat, who also said there was no “age restriction” on testing.

But there are also places in the country where the RT-PCR test is no longer required for travelers, such as Baguio, Negros Occidental, and Iloilo City.

The local government in Marinduque has also announced that travelers will no longer need a swab test as long as they are vaccinated against COVID-19.

The top tourist destination Boracay is also expected to remove the RT-PCR requirement once all tourism workers and residents on the island are fully vaccinated.

RT-PCR test free for local tourists: DOT

So far, almost 9 out of 10 residents and tourism workers in Boracay have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 6 out of 10 residents and tourism workers have been fully vaccinated.

For the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), easing travel to the Philippines is a big thing, especially for those who rely on tourism as a livelihood.

According to TCP, travelers need to be honest with the vaccination cards displayed.

Many were then caught with fake RT-PCR tests, such as in Boracay.

“Parang awa ninyo, ‘di lang para sa inyo, para sa mga pupuntahang lugar, ‘wag na kayo mameke. Kung gusto natin na magtuloy-tuloy ito, sumunod po tayo,” said TCP President Jojo Clemente.

According to the TCP, many tourism workers are vaccinated in the hope that this will serve as their protection while rebuilding the collapsed industry.