Deutsche Sprache Kurs in Davao City/German Language Course in Davao City

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IT'S OK TO FEEL BAD

 

By accident, I stumbled upon an article of British writer Allie Volpe. Yes, Allie is so right when she says, "Amid grim times, putting on your biggest smile may seem like the best coping mechanism.  Over the last year, as the pandemic has morphed from terrifying to inconvenient to long-term life-altering event, our coping mechanisms have had to adapt and evolve. Yet there have been differences in the ways we’ve approached time spent in isolation".

For many, including me,  positivity has been essential to coping with the crisis – many have relished a chance to slow down and reevaluate, felt grateful to still have a job or kept the good things in perspective (even while balancing virtual schooling, remote work and keeping the family safe). 

I also caught myself writing columns that sounded as positive as possible in the past weeks. Of course, as Volpe wrote: staying upbeat and expressing gratitude are hardly adverse practices, but this unrelenting optimism – known as ‘toxic positivity’ – paints negative emotions as a failure or weakness. Plus, there are few things more grating than encountering a toxic positivist when you’re grappling with grim reality.

And failing to acknowledge hardships can have a detrimental effect on our mental health. Persistent reminders to reflect on ‘how good we have it’ in the midst of strife and struggle don’t make sadness, fear or anxiety dissipate, research shows. Instead, suppressing negative emotions can actually make us feel worse.

By contrast, another mindset approach boasts a more realistic framing. ‘Tragic optimism’ posits there is hope and meaning to be found in life while also acknowledging the existence of loss, pain and suffering. First defined by Austrian psychologist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl in 1985, proponents of tragic optimism maintain there is space to experience both the good and the bad, and that we can grow from each.

Experts suggest that this kind of philosophy may be exactly what we need to cope as we’re still trudging through the pandemic – and may help us once we’re on the other side, too.

A cornerstone of the philosophy is the ability to find meaning and purpose amid challenges and setbacks. “Suffering is a part of life, and the question is how are you going to cope with it?” explains Esfahani Smith, author of The Power of Meaning. “A lot of people are going to deny or ignore their suffering, and a lot of other people are going to be completely overwhelmed by it.” To be tragically optimistic is a happy medium where instead of crushing our spirit, difficulties and challenges provide us with a learning moment, like re-framing the stress of giving a public speech as a challenge rather than a threat.

Meanwhile I learned how to face and adapt to whatever life throws at me. I learned that people who had accepted that life comes with difficulties – and were prepared for them – coped with lockdowns more effectively than those who did not. I learned from Paul Wong, a psychologist and professor emeritus of Trent University in Ontario, who says the road to this transformation may be uncomfortable, because life currently isn’t easy. “It’s OK to be lonely,” he says. “It’s OK to feel bad, it's OK to feel anxious. Welcome to the human club.”

So, although it may feel tempting just to grin and bear it, taking the slightly more uncomfortable route of a tragic optimist may actually help us see that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel – and help us take a breath as we wait to reach it.

Honestly, right now I do enjoy all possible re-openings in the Philippines. I take every chance e.g. to travel, to swim, to unwind - of course, with strict compliance with still existing health regulations.

PLGU DdO joins the nation in celebrating the 2021 National Women’s Day

Davao de Oro --- The Provincial Women Development Council of Davao de Oro in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency conducted an Online Forum on BIDA Bakunation and the Role of Women in Peace and Development entitled Juana Laban sa Pandemya at Terorismo: KAYA! to all sectoral women’s in the province as a way of commemorating with the nation in the celebration of the 2021 National Women’s Month on March 8, 2021, via zoom platform and Facebook Live.

During the forum, PHO Department Head and EOC Manager, Dr. Antonio Ybiernas and MAJ Davy Siao, Gender and Development Officer of the 10th Infantry AGILA Division gave inputs about the COVID-19 Vaccination updates and discussed the extraordinary roles of Juanas in the society in fighting insurgency and attain sustainable and inclusive development in the province.

This year’s campaign is different from previous ones because it highlights women’s participation in battling the pandemic and the dedication in bringing change in the communities – be it in the far-flung or in the metros.

The said activity was attended by Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, PIA Director-General Ramon Cualoping III represented by Karl Louie Fajardo, OIC PIA XI, Ms. Sholai Lim, Chairwoman of PWDC, Presidents of 11 Local Councils of Women, Gender and Development Offices under the 10th ID, Women Inmates of BJMP Montevista, PNP and AFP Women, and other sectoral women’s in the province.

Meanwhile, “Gulayan Sa Tahanan by Cathy Cares” was launched in the Municipality of Pantukan as one of the Serbisyo para kay Juana that aims to promote the cultivation of vegetables in their own home which is really great and aids in food-sufficiency in the province amidst pandemic.

A total of seventy members from the Council of Women's located in the coastal barangays of Pantukan have received vegetable seedlings and gardening tools during the simple ceremony on the same day.

For the year 2021, the PLGU-DdO is committed to deliver quality services to its women stakeholders through the implementation of various programs and activities under the PWDC. These initiatives are sustainably being upheld to nurture women’s capability to bring about positive and sustainable changes in the community. (Rheafe Hortizano – Provincial Information Office of Davao de Oro)

Bill declaring Davao City, Davao Region as chocolate, cacao capitals passed

CAPITAL. Voting 22-0-1, the Senate passed on Monday, March 8, Senate Bill 1741 (SB 1741), also known as "An Act declaring the City of Davao as the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines and the entire Region XI (Davao Region) as the Cacao Capital of the Philippines." The bill was sponsored by Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture. (RJ Lumawag)

By: REUEL JOHN F. LUMAWAG, SunStar Davao

DAVAO City being declared as the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines and Davao Region as the Cacao Capital of the Philippines will open more opportunities to local cacao farmers and processors.

Voting 22-0-1, the Senate passed on Monday, March 8, Senate Bill 1741 (SB 1741), also known as "An Act declaring the City of Davao as the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines and the entire Region XI (Davao Region) as the Cacao Capital of the Philippines."

The bill was sponsored by Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

Villar filed the bill on July 27, 2020.

The bill is co-authored by Senators Christopher Lawrence T. Go and Ronald dela Rosa, both from Davao Region.

Section 2 states that the bill seeks to recognize Davao City and Davao Region "as the country's biggest producer of cacao and its vital contribution in making the Philippines world-renowned and sought after by chocolate makers from the US, Japan, and Europe."

Leo Brian Leuterio, City Agriculturist's Office head, said they welcome the passage of SB 1741 because it recognizes the efforts made by local cacao farmers, processors, and chocolate makers.

Villar said in her sponsorship speech on February 9, 2021, that based on the latest data her office received from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Davao Region produces around 78.76 percent of the annual production of cacao in the Philippines.

She cited Malagos Chocolate, which has bagged 28 international awards, for its chocolate products. Also under the Cocoa Excellence Programme in 2017, cacao produced by Malagos Agri Ventures has been included among the best 50 cacao beans globally.

Villar also said Laguna-based and multi-awarded chocolate brand Auro Chocolates also sources its cacao beans from Davao-based farming farmers.

She also recognized Cacao City and Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao Inc. (Cidami) as among the contributors to the growth of the chocolate and cacao industry in Davao City and Davao Region.

Cacao City is an outlet store for cacao products while Cidami is a non-profit based in Davao is also the leading cacao value chain organizer in cacao.

"This recognition proves that we are already there, na achieve nato atong mga targets. The fact nga maka-produce ka quality chocolate, means naka-produce ka quality cacao beans, quality [imong] fermentation, at the end of the day it means hawod imong farmer (The recognition shows that we have achieved our targets of producing quality cacao products. Having quality chocolates means we are producing quality cacao beans, which have been fermented properly. At the end of the day, it means that our local farmers have the know-how in cacao production)," Leuterio said.

He said local farmers will directly benefit from Davao Region and Davao City's recognition as Cacao and Chocolate capital.

Leuterio said the recognition will increase awareness of locally made chocolates. This is seen to produce better prices, industries, and side-table demand for chocolates and cacao.

"It can produce more interest. More interest means more market and sales. More market and sales mean good stable prices of raw materials, which always benefit the smaller farmers in the [value] chain," he said.

In a press statement on February 9, Villar said "her bill simply gives recognition for the pioneering, outstanding collective contribution of the cacao farmers who supply dry cacao beans to the processors and manufacturers."

Meanwhile, Armi Lopez-Garcia, national chairperson of the Philippine Cacao Industry Council, said they hope President Rodrigo Duterte will veto SB 1741.

"The Senate chose to ignore the unanimous voice of the Philippine cacao industry opposing SB 1741, which runs against the national policy to develop the cacao industry nationwide. But what can we do? We hope that the President will veto the bill because it is unfair to the industry players of the other regions. However, we will no longer work for a Presidential veto especially since he is from Davao, the main beneficiary of the bill," Lopez-Garcia said in an interview with SunStar Davao on March 9, 2021.

Earlier, the PCIC submitted a position paper opposing SB 1741. The group said the bill "discriminates against the many cacao planters and chocolate producers in other regions."

"It discriminates against the weak regions that are responding to the government's call for the development of the cacao industry in the country. These fledgling regions, provinces, cities, and the hundreds of farmers cooperatives are the ones in need of help. And they should not be discriminated against. They should be supported instead," PCIC said.

It added that the bill could be disadvantageous to other cacao-producing areas in the country "because Davao city would have the definite advantage in marketing and branding."

"How can the other producers compete with a chocolate product that comes from the chocolate capital of the Philippines? Clearly, a great disadvantage that will tend to a restraint of trade because the level playing field of fair competition has been slanted in favor of Davao city," the group said.

However, Garcia said they do acknowledge the achievements Davao Region and Davao City have made in the cacao industry. But they do not see the need that there should be legislation on this.

"Wala me kaso i-acknowledge ang Davao but dili lang i-legislate (We do not find an issue acknowledging Davao but it did not need to legislate it)," Lopez-Garcia said.

Meanwhile, Lopez-Garcia said the council will continue to work on its mandate to help develop the cacao industry as it has lined-up several projects.

"We have to look after ourselves. We are now thinking of so many projects that will really lift up the spirits of the industry players all over the country," Lopez-Garcia said.

The PCIC is a private sector-led council created to spearhead the development of the cacao industry. This will be composed of public and private sector representatives with the Department of Agriculture as co-chair of the Council.

Holding hands, kissing no longer allowed in public

File

PUBLIC displays of affection such as kissing, holding hands and embracing will no longer be allowed in public, even between a husband and wife, or among family members.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Debold Sinas on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, said he has instructed all police units to call out those engaged in such acts of physical intimacy in public places as these violate the physical distancing protocol.

Sinas said the PNP will intensify enforcement of physical distancing and other minimum public health standards to curb transmission of Sars-CoV-2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“Papaigtingin lang natin kasi nga part of the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) at mga locals are already alarmed again kasi medyo tumaas. So PDA (public display of affection), ‘yung hawak-hawak sisitahin na rin ‘yan. Dati naman sinisita ‘yan pero ngayon kasi medyo nagluwag tayo but ipagpapatuloy natin ‘yan,” Sinas said in an interview in Camp Crame.

“We cannot afford to lower our guard against the virus, especially at this point when the cure is already within reach,” he added.

There is no cure for Covid-19 yet, but the Philippines has launched vaccinations against the infection using the over 1.1 million doses of Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines donated by China and Covax, respectively.

Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana, PNP spokesperson, said policemen will merely caution violators. No one will be arrested.

Sinas reiterated his appeal for cooperation from the public.

“For our part in the PNP, we will remain vigilant in enforcing public health guidelines and local ordinances that seek to mitigate the effects of the pandemic that has so far infected 600,000 Filipinos, 12,000 of whom have died due to medical complications,” said Sinas.

He said he has also ordered the strengthening of patrols, especially in malls, crowded areas and public transportation units to ensure compliance to physical distancing, and wearing of masks and face shields.

Meanwhile, the Inter Agency Council for Traffic (I-Act) warned drivers and passengers of public utility vehicles against violating health safety protocols.

I-ACT special operations team leader Colonel Rosendo Borja said non-compliance to the directive to wear face shields is a common problem in public utility vehicles.

He urged drivers to constantly remind their passengers about these protocols. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / SunStar Philippines)

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (VIII)

 A GERMAN EXPAT IN THE PHILIPPINES

Chapter VIII: Love at first sight?

My publisher informed me that I would be given more responsibility in the future. And a higher salary. More responsibility meant: manuscript editing, proofreading, layout arrangement, coordination with the printing company. I was really shocked. "Can you do this?" my publisher asked me. My answer was very simple, "Of course, Sir. I can"!

From time to time, I visited different stage plays and classical concerts on different occasions and stages as well as concerts halls in West-Berlin. I was fascinated by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of legendary conductor Herbert von Karajan: Ludwig van Beethoven - George Bizet - Frederic Chopin - Evald Grieg. Awesome classical composers, their compositions often bring me to tears. Love at first sight? Yes, with so many classical composers. A joyous Mozart symphony or perhaps a gentle Bach suite that's closest to my heart or a majestic piano concerto by  Ludwig van Beethoven. And since I became a piano player, Chopin kept on fascinating me more and more. 

Although my job became very stressful, I didn't care. I enjoyed it. And I took several time outs while staying in Germany's wonderful nature. Inhale - exhale ... .

And then the big day came. The flight from Berlin to Frankfurt, during that time by Pan America kept me still calm. It was similar to many of my business trips on behalf of my publisher due to several editorial meetings all over Germany.

When "Philippines Airlines boarding" in Frankfurt reached my ears, I really got somehow very nervous. Manila was different during that time in 1982. My pen friend there tried to convince me not to go to Davao City in Mindanao which was shaken by civil war during that time. "Davao City is killing fields!" My pen friend from Manila sounds really serious. I found myself back as a risk taker. 

In Davao City, Evelyn waited for me. She didn't become my love at first sight. It was a certain Rossana Balcom. A  teacher from the International Harvardian University and an ethnic dancer of the legendary Manisan Dancegroup Davao City.

My penfriend in Zamboanga City waited for free. Before I went back to Germany, I and Rossana fianceed each other.

Overjoyed I flew back to Berlin - not knowing that some dramatic news awaited me - positive and negative.

(To be continued!)

Coronavirus: Divers find Philippine reef covered with single-use face masks

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is washing up on coral reefs close to the Philippine capital, Manila. According to an estimate by the Asian Development Bank, the city has been generating an extra 280 tonnes of medical waste per day, since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Environmental groups are warning that the plastic inside face masks is breaking down and being consumed by marine wildlife. They’re urging the Philippine government to improve its handling of medical waste, to prevent further pollution of the seas.

The BBC’s Howard Johnson joined divers from Anilao Scuba Dive Centre, a group affiliated to the United Nations Environment Programme’s Green Fins, which promotes sustainable marine tourism in South East Asia.

The Filipina and culture: Her role in heritage conservation

 

by John Legaspi, Manila Bulletin

No matter how light or heavy the jobs are, it is important to have women involved in rehabilitating cultural sites

Throughout history, we have seen women depicted in different forms of art. Women sat still as artists immortalize their beauty through canvases, capture their every curve with carved stones, and write about them in novels and poems. Women as muses played a viral role in helping to give the world the best masterpieces artists can create. And as time went by, some women even went onto produce art themselves. 

These days, the role of women branches out from being muses and artists. We may not know much about it, but here in the Philippines, women play significant roles in preserving heritage sites and art conservation, doing tasks from construction works to artifact restoration.

Through Escuela Taller de Filipinas Foundation, Inc., women were able to participate and help in keeping the integrity of some of the cultural spots of the Philippines. Started out as Escuela Taller de Intramuros in 2009, it was a project between the government of Spain and the Philippines, represented by the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Later in 2013, it transformed into an independent private foundation to ensure its sustainability. 

“Our female conservation workers do everything. They work as wood carvers, masons, painters, carpenters, etc. Some of them are even involved in the documentation of the heritage buildings,”  Escuela Taller de Filipinas Foundation, Inc.’s Philip Paraan tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “As part of our training, they get to be exposed right away to work or heritage sites after their regular training in Escuela Taller Intramuros. As graduates, they are employed as conservation workers by the projects (funded by our clients, usually churches). Our trainees and graduates including the females have worked in almost every project that Escuela Taller has handled and managed.”

Female woodcarver from Escuella Taller Bohol

The female conservationists help in the rehabilitation of heritage churches and sites in over 19 locations in the National Capital Region, Laguna, Pampanga, Cebu, and Batanes. While the pandemic has put a pause on their noble mission, their work went on and continued after the first months of the community quarantine.

What these women put to the table is far beyond heavy liftings. “They are patient and detailed oriented. Though they are not as physically strong as their male colleagues, they do almost everything except in lifting extra heavy stones or furniture, but they can lift stones,” Philip says. “Our work entails carving stones, wood, etc. Women workers tend to be more polished in their output. Not all, but they give their work extra attention.”

Female mason workers busy shaping stones in Angeles Church, Pampanga

Bernalyn Lucindo, an employee at the Cultural Properties Division of the Intramuros Administration which handles the care and restoration of artifacts

But no matter how light or heavy the jobs are, whether reworking sillerias (choir seats) or handling masons, it is important to have women involved in preserving heritage sites.

“It is because heritage conservation knows no gender. The skills taught and required of the conservation projects see no gender, only the skills itself and commitment,” says Philip. “For us in Escuela Taller, we believe that women are just as good as men and the industry, the field of conservation should just be populated by women as much as men.”

Ladies in training at the Intramuros campus

“Regardless of gender, what is important is that we are able to transfer the skills, the know-how, traditions, and building knowledge of the past to a new generation of builders, artisans, and skilled workers in conservation to ensure the protection of our built heritage,” he continues. “We can say that the rise of women involved in any type of work including the heritage sector suggests a sense of advancement in society and these gender inclusive spaces should be widened and supported more.”

Started her training at age 18, Kristine from Tondo has been part of several conservation projects including Paco Park, Sta. Ana Church, and Angeles Church in Pampanga.

Philip also noted that apart from the power the women are bringing in the local heritage conservation movement, it is important to also get the public involved in the initiative.

“They can help the foundation by directly donating to the foundation to support its training and conservation activities. At the local level, they can help the churches, heritage groups in fundraising initiatives for the restoration of sites or just be mindful  of the importance of heritage in our collective identity as a people,” he advises. “Tourism is also essential and can be a good start. Visit the heritage sites and museums to learn more of our history and culture. The public can also be part of advocacies that call for sustained heritage conservation in the country. Community and civic involvement is important in heritage management.”

Images are from Escuella Taller De Filipinas. Facebook: @escuelatallerph

A woman is flying the plane: Female pilot breaks stereotype

by Czarina Nicole Ong Ki, Manila Bulletin

Second Officer Alyanna Arañez is a registered nurse who pursued her dream to be a pilot.

She wanted to be a pilot since she was in high school because she loved traveling, meeting people, and trying new cuisines.

Some passengers would ask for their photos to be taken with her to show their children that women are now flying planes.

Seeing families reunited in the airports is what tells her that she had done a good job.

When flying was disrupted during the lockdowns, she designed silk and cotton sleepwear and sold them online.  The merchandise is selling very well.

There is an undeniable stereotype in the aviation industry where pretty girls are flight attendants and the men are pilots.

But female pilots are slowly breaking the stereotype. One of them is  Alyanna Alexandria H. Arañez, 28.

Arañez wanted to be a pilot ever since she was in high school. Because her mom used to be a flight attendant, she was exposed to the aviation culture early on and she was used to travelling.

The fast-paced life excited her. Exploring new places, meeting new people, and trying out different cuisines were something that she wanted to do for a living. Instead of following her mother’s footsteps, Arañez wanted to carve her own path.

That path led her to being known in her workplace as Second Officer Alyanna Arañez.

But this woman may have broken more than just the stereotype of a pilot’s gender.  She is also a registered nurse.  But since she felt that flying is in her blood, after graduating from college, she bravely pursued her dream of becoming a pilot and entered the Philippine Airlines Aviation School.

“I feel like my personality is more fit to be a pilot,” she said. “I wanted to be in control. It’s also about service to the people. They might not see me at all times during the flight, but I serve them by making sure that I do my best in bringing them safely to where they need to be.”

She said she gets her confirmation of a job well done when she sees families reunited and hugging each other in the airports.

Arañez said being a pilot is a demanding job, but she took on all the challenges with gusto. In school, she studied hard because good grades were crucial to being accepted as a pilot. Arañez also discovered that the studying never stops because pilots are constantly learning new skills and updating their techniques.

“We always have to be at our best. We must be mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared every flight,” she said.

Arañez admitted that she was not the smartest among her peers. But there was one thing that made all the difference in her career: “I was determined,” she said. “Whatever you put your mind, heart, and soul into, you can achieve.”

She soon discovered that being a pilot was not all fun and excitement.  It also demanded personal sacrifices.  “Sometimes I don’t get to celebrate special life events with my family due to my schedule. I miss out on birthdays and Christmas,” she said.

When asked if her gender ever became a hindrance in her career, Arañez shook her head. “Luckily, I am blessed to be able to work in an environment that encourages gender equality and women empowerment,” she said.

In fact, Arañez has observed that being a female pilot actually inspires people as she would often get encouraging smiles and nods from disembarking passengers.

FEMALE PILOT IS ALSO A NURSE. – Second Officer Alyanna Arañez is actually a registered nurse, but flying is in her blood. After graduating from college, she pursued her dream of becoming a pilot and entered the Philippine Airlines Aviation School.

“It’s the 21st century,” she said. “People are more than excited to see women taking over the skies. There were instances when passengers would ask to have a photo taken with me so they can show it to their children.”

When the pandemic broke out, Arañez’s job was affected and she had more personal time than she was used to. Not one to do nothing, the young pilot stepped into a completely new territory – online business.

From the skies to online

Since people were spending more time at home, Arañez realized the value of comfortable sleepwear and loungewear. She knew people wanted to feel good about themselves even when stuck at home, so she launched @thegoodsleepcoph, where she offers pretty silk or bamboo cotton pajama sets.

Arañez was surprised by the feedback she received for her products. “I do a happy dance for every purchase made by my customers!” she gushed.

Now that the aviation industry is slowly getting back on its feet, Arañez finds herself busier as she juggles time between career and her business. But she is not complaining.

“The pandemic gave me more time to expand my creative side. I really do enjoy conceptualizing my business. I have something to look forward to since I’m continually learning how a business.

No stopping ‘summer’ fun in the Philippines, DOT says

 Tara Yap, Manila Bulletin

by Alexandria Dennise San Juan, Manila Bulletin

Summer, as they call it, has come but as the threat of the coronavirus disease remains, would it still be more fun in the Philippines? Yes, according to Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“There is no stopping summer. Marami nang tourist destinations ang nagbukas ngayon — nagbukas na ang Boracay, Puerto Princesa — marami nang pwedeng puntahan ngayon (There are so many tourist destinations that reopened like Boracay, Puerto Princesa — there are many sites to visit now),” said Puyat said in an interview over DZRH on Saturday, March 6.

The national government, along with the Local Government Units (LGUs), is even trying to revive the economy via tourism as more areas have started to open their borders and also eased the travel restrictions like cancelling the Travel Authority and Medical Clearance Certificate as requirements.

Several destinations also have no age restrictions which are perfect for a quick getaway with the whole family including grandparents and children.

“Ang pamilyang Pilipino malungkot ang bakasyon kung hindi kasama ang buong pamilya. Ito na ang pagkakataon na ang buong pamilya ay magkasama-sama at ma-enjoy nila nag napakagagandang beaches sa Pilipinas (Filipinos want to travel with their families. This is the opportunity for the whole family to get together and enjoy the beautiful beaches in the Philippines),” Puyat said.

Aside from the opening of favorite vacation spots in the country, Puyat said that the streamlining of required travel documents will also encourage more tourists to visit these destinations.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases approved last month a uniform set of travel protocols for land, air, and sea across the country while keeping strict health protocols in place.

These include the scrapping of the mandatory coronavirus disease (COVID-19) testing, except when required by the local government unit (LGU) of destination, as well as the need to go on quarantine unless the traveler shows symptoms.

“When we travel sinusunod namin yung mga travel requirements as respect na rin to the LGUs kaya nararamdaman namin kung gaano kahirap kapag maraming hinihinging documents. At least ngayon mas simple na ang requirements (we follow the travel requirements as respect to the LGUs so we know how hard it is when there are many documents needed. At least now, the requirements are simpler),” Puyat shared.

While many people are now confident to travel amid the pandemic, the tourism chief reiterated the need to strictly follow the minimum health protocols even during a vacation such as wearing face masks and face shields, maintaining physical distancing, and practicing proper hand hygiene.

“Kailangang meron pa rin na minimum health and saftey protocols lalo na ngayon na dumating na ang vaccine. Mabuti nang mas maingat para we are good to go (Following the minimum health and safety protocols is a must even during vacation especially now that the vaccine already arrived. It is better to be more careful),” she added.

Tourists were also reminded to always book with accommodation establishments and tour operators that are accredited by the Department of Tourism to ensure their health and safety during their trip.

Puyat said tourists from Metro Manila can still avail of its subsidized RT-PCR test at the Philippine General Hospital for as low as P900 to help reduce travel costs.