Tourism establishments told: Secure certificate to operate

CEBU, Philippines — Hotels, resorts and other homestay establishments in Cebu province must first secure a certificate of authority to operate (CAO) in order to be allowed reoperation.

According to Sugbo News, the official news portal of the Capitol Public Information Office, this will be issued by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, in a meeting with mayors, pointed out the important roles of each local government unit in the application process. One of the requirements for the CAO is a business permit from mayors.

"We will only allow those resorts that are duly accredited by DOT," she was quoted by Sugbo News to have said.

Because of this, Garcia is set to issue a memorandum to the local government chiefs asking them to remind business owners of homestay establishments to apply for CAO.

The application process is free. It is also based on Inter-Agency Task Force guidelines on the reoperation of the said businesses.

In a separate meeting with the governor, mayors and tourism officers of the province’s component cities and municipalities, DOT-7 Director Shalimar Tamano stressed that the enumerated businesses will not be allowed reoperation without a mayor’s permit.

He added that even formerly accredited establishments would have to reapply for CAO as per IATF guidelines. KQD (FREEMAN)