‘Up to LGUs to require swab test for tourists’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism is leaving it up to local government units (LGUs) to decide on whether to still require tourists to submit a negative COVID-19 swab test result.

In an interview with Teleradyo, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said some LGUs insist that travelers should present a negative COVID-19 test result.

“Some LGUs said they would never agree on a no test-before-travel especially for tourists coming from Metro Manila, which has rising cases,” Romulo said.

The DOT had earlier declared its support for the proposal of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to streamline travel requirements, including eliminating swab test results, in a move to revive the economy.

The DILG said COVID-19 testing should be limited to persons who have symptoms, exposed to infected individuals and infected with the disease.

Instead of swab tests, travelers will be required to undergo clinical testing at the terminal of origin and destination.

The agency said strict observance of minimum health protocols is enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19, citing studies conducted by the Department of Health.

Puyat said she supports a common policy on travel requirements, such as medical certificates and the quarantine period. “Sana iisa na lang para hindi nakakalito,” she said.

A recent Philippine travel survey showed that tourists want travel rules standardized to avoid inconvenience.

Early this week, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia issued an executive order saying the province would no longer require local tourists to present a negative COVID-19 test.

However, the World Health Organization said the decision to remove mandatory COVID-19 tests should be ”carefully calibrated.”

Puyat urged local tourists to avail themselves of subsidized swab testing service at the Philippine General Hospital and Philippine Children’s Medical Center, at P900 and P750, respectively.