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DOT, TPB TO ROLL OUT 2ND PHASE OF RT-PCR FINANCIAL SUBSIDY PROGRAM THROUGH PCMC
Manila, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines renewed its partnership with the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) on Wednesday for the second phase implementation of the RT-PCR (Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) test financial subsidy program for domestic tourists.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones and PCMC Executive Director Julius A. Lecciones signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in a virtual ceremony to rollout the RT-PCR subsidy from July to December 2021 to aid 13,333 qualified domestic tourists.
DOT and TPB first signed an agreement with PCMC in December 2020 to subsidize 50 percent of the hospital’s RT-PCR testing cost wherein more than 15,000 domestic tourists were successfully swabbed from January to June 2021.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that the DOT and TPB will continue to extend efforts as part of its strategic plans to market and promote the country as a safe tourism destination.
“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 safe and gradual reopening of tourism destinations. 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,” said Secretary Puyat.
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.
Published:June 24, 2021
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