Calling out all diving enthusiasts! It is now time to take out your gears and dust it off as one of the premier diving destinations in the Philippines is now open!
Batangas is
a province in Luzon popularly known for its great marine biodiversity. Even though
the province is still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), Tourism Secretary
Bernadette Romulo-Puyat announced the opening after signing the PCSSD
Administrative Order No. 2020-001 or the Guidelines on the Operations of Dive
Establishments under a Community Quarantine.
“Dive establishments in Batangas
Province, insofar as the area is still under General Community Quarantine
(GCQ), are hereby determined to be permitted to accept guests for Recreational
Diving, taking into consideration the general preparedness of the area and its
impact on the tourism industry,” the tourism chief remarked.
The
Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved
Resolution No. 78, which provides for the DOT to determine the destinations in
GCQ areas where recreational diving may be allowed. Under IATF Resolution 78,
dive establishments and resorts in specific areas under GCQ and Modified GCQ areas
may accept guests from GCQ and Modified GCQ areas for recreational diving
purpose. Prior to the IATF-EID Resolution, travel for the purpose of
recreational diving was not allowed in between areas under GCQ and MGCQ.
TRAVEL
REQUIREMENTS
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also emphasized that the DOT remains optimistic yet cautious of the reopening of recreational diving.
“We remain optimistic yet cautious of its
reopening to recreational diving. We remind everyone to Test-Before-Travel and likewise
reiterate that only those with a valid DOT and/or PCSSD Accreditation will be
permitted to operate.” Puyat announced.
“While guests of all ages from GCQ and
MGCQ areas are welcome, the activity is off-limits to those with comorbidities
and currently pregnant,” she added.
Aside
from your masks, fins, snorkels, regulators, and other gear, don’t forget to
secure the following documents before heading to Batangas:
1. Medical
Clearance
2. Negative
RT-PCR result within 72 hours (3 days) before actual arrival
3. Confirmed
Booking from the resort or hotel
4. Valid
IDs
*Required documents are subject to
change without prior notice.
DOT
ACCREDITED DIVE SITES
Through its regional office for Region IV-ACALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), the DOT also provided a digital contact tracing application to the Mabini, Batangas local government unit (LGU) for a more efficient tracing measure. There are already 6 dive establishments and 2 liveaboards accredited by PCSSD in Region IV-A.
“The DOT accreditation certifies that
the dive establishments are conforming to the minimum health and safety
guidelines and are ready to accept guests again. We encourage the dive resorts
and stakeholders to take advantage of the free and online DOT-accreditation
platform at https://accreditation.tourism.gov.ph,” Puyat added.
GETTING
TO BATANGAS
Just south of Manila and easily accessible by land and sea, Batangas has some of Luzon’s best dive sites, including Balayan Bay, Cathedral Rock, Beatrice Rock, Twin Rocks, and Mainit Muck.
If
you have a private transfer from Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway.
Travel time will is about 3-4 hours depending on the traffic.
Reference: Department of Tourism
To lessen your worries, why not let us take you there, right? Let our friendly drivers drop you off at Batangas with ease. Talk with us live at www.RAKSOTRAVEL.com or send an email at support@raksotravel.com.
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