[BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES TRAVEL ADVISORY] Philippine Travel Update: Batangas is now open to Divers

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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