DOT, TPB Extend 50% OFF RT-PCR for Tourists at PCMC
The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TBP) is extending the second wave of 50% off RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test financial subsidy program for domestic tourists with the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) until December 2021.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones and PCMC Executive Director Julius A. Lecciones gladly signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) allowing 13,333 qualified domestic tourists to receive RT-PCR subsidy from July to December 2021.
Virtual meeting of DOT, TBP, PCMC/IMAGE from the Department of Tourism
Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat highlighted that the partnership between DOT, TPB, and PCMC will help to promote safe tourism in the country.
Also read: ICYMI: Qualified Leisure Travelers Can Now Avail 50% RT-PCR Test Subsidy
“This program is just one of the strategic steps that DOT and TPB are working on as we gear towards recovery, and pave the way to a safe and gradual reopening of tourism destinations,” said Puyat.
Last year, the first wave of MOA was signed. It accommodated 15,000 domestic tourists who were successfully swabbed from January to June 2021
Five Fingers Cove, Bataan/IMAGE from the Department of Tourism Instagram account
“We are pushing for these initiatives to help our economy recover and we are optimistic that more industry stakeholders, local government units, and agencies will work hand-in-hand with us on this endeavor,” she ended.
Also read: DOT to Include Biking Tours, Other Outdoor Activities to Boost Ilocos Tourism
RT-PCR Subsidy Guideline/Screengrab from Philippine Travel
To avail of PCMC’s 50 percent testing cost subsidy, travelers must first register online to pre-schedule their RT-PCR test at http://www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel/ and submit a valid government-issued identification card, proof of hotel booking in a DOT-accredited accommodation establishment, and proof of mode of travel such as airline or bus ticket.
PCMC will accept RT-PCR test applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
Source: Department of Tourism
Written by Cedie Salido
