MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO.

2022-001
2021-___

REVISED INTERIM GUIDELINES GOVERNING APPLICATIONS FOR

ACCREDITATION DURING THE STATE OF CALAMITY DUE TO COVID-19

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 provides that the Department of
Tourism (DOT) shall have the mandate to develop and enforce a comprehensive system of
mandatory accreditation for Primary Tourism Enterprises, and voluntary accreditation for Secondary
Tourism Enterprises, in accordance with prescribed guidelines and standards;

WHEREAS, on 16 March 2021 Proclamation No. 929 s. 2020 was issued declaring a State of
Calamity throughout the Philippines due to Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and consistent
with such declaration, various areas in the country were placed under different levels of Community
Quarantine;

WHEREAS, to be able to perform its mandate during the Community Quarantine without
compromising the health and safety of the DOT employees and stakeholders, the Department issued
on 06 June 2020 Memorandum Circular 2020-005 or the Interim Guidelines for Applications for
Accreditation to govern the processing of accreditation applications during the Community
Quarantine;

WHEREAS, under Proclamation No. 1218 s. 2021, the declaration of State of Calamity throughout
the Philippines due to COVID-19 has been extended until 12 September 2022;

WHEREAS, the nationwide implementation of the Alert Level System for COVID-19 Response was
approved on 11 November 2021 through the issuance of Executive Order No. 151 s. of 2021;

WHEREAS, on 14 December 2021 the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging
Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) issued the Guidelines on the Nationwide Implementation of Alert
Level System for COVID-19 Response;

WHEREAS, there is a need to revise and update MC No. 2020-005 to harmonize it with the latest
issuances made by the IATF-EID in relation to the COVID-19 situation, and to address Accreditation
concerns that occurred during the implementation of the MC No. 2020-005;

NOW, THEREFORE, in view of the foregoing, the Revised Interim Guidelines Governing Applications
for Accreditation During the State of Calamity Due to COVID-19 are hereby issued.

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title. This Circular shall be known as the “Revised Interim Accreditation
Guidelines.”

Section 2. Definition of Terms. For purposes of these Guidelines, the following terms are
hereby defined as follows:

(a) “Accommodation Establishments” shall refer to establishments operating primarily for

accommodation purposes including, but not limited to, hotels, resorts, apartment hotels,
Mabuhay accommodation establishments (tourist inns, motels, pension houses, bed and
breakfast, vacation homes, hostels, and other similar accommodation establishments) private
homes used for homestay, ecolodges, serviced apartments, and condotels.
 a. Apartment Hotel shall refer to serviced apartments offering self-contained units with
access to kitchen and laundry facilities. A number of bedrooms may share one
bathroom in the unit.
b. Homestay shall refer to an alternative form of tourism where tourists will stay with the
host family in the same house to experience the everyday way of life of the family and
the local community.
c. Hotel shall refer to full-service accommodation with reception and guest rooms
generally offering private facilities with dining facility and services.
d. Mabuhay Accommodations shall refer to Tourist Inns, Pension Houses, Motels, Bed
and Breakfast, Vacation Homes, Hostels, and other similar accommodation
establishments.
e. Resort shall refer to full-service accommodation located in a more natural, relaxed
environment, with a reception and guest rooms generally offering private facilities with
dining and recreation facilities and services.

(b) “Accreditation” shall refer to a Certification issued by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to a
tourism enterprise that officially recognizes it as having complied with the minimum standards
for the operation of tourism facilities and services.

(c) “Barangay Certificate of Residency” shall refer to a document issued by the barangay
certifying that the applicant is a bona fide resident of the said barangay.

(d) “Basic Registration” shall refer to first level recognition under DOT Memorandum Circular
(MC) No. 2018-03 or the Progressive Accreditation System (PAS) which is issued to a
tourism-oriented enterprise found to be compliant with the Basic requirements set by the
DOT.

(e) “COVID-19 Alert Level System” refers to the new Community Quarantine Classifications for
dealing with COVID-19 covering entire cities and/or municipalities; aimed to manage and
minimize the risk of the disease through System Indicators, Triggers and Thresholds
determined by the IATF Sub-Technical Working Group on Data Analytics to specify the public
health and social measures to be taken in relation to the COVID-19 response, as may be
updated based on new scientific knowledge, information about the effectiveness of control
measures in the country and overseas, and its application.

a. Alert Level 1 - refers to areas wherein case transmission is low and decreasing, total
bed utilization rate, and intensive care unit utilization rate is low.
b. Alert Level 2 - refers to areas wherein case transmission is low and decreasing,
healthcare utilization is low, or case counts are low but increasing, or case counts
are low and decreasing but total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization
rate is increasing.
c. Alert Level 3 - refers to areas wherein case counts are high and/or increasing, with
total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at increasing
utilization.
d. Alert Level 4 - refers to areas wherein case counts are high and/or increasing, with
total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at high utilization.
e. Alert Level 5 - refers to areas wherein case counts are alarming, with total bed
utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at critical utilization.

(f) “DOT Issuances” shall refer to Memorandum Circulars, Department Orders, or Advisories
issued by the Department of Tourism. Under this Circular, all Guidelines jointly issued by the
DOT with other agencies shall be considered as DOT Issuances.

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(g) “Ecotour Facility” shall refer to a facility within a natural area designed to protect the
environment and enhance the quality of visitor experience.

(h) “Letter of Non-Compliance” shall refer to a document issued by the DOT to the Tourism
Enterprise that has applied for accreditation but failed to comply with the minimum standards
requirement. Such document shall indicate the corrective action(s) to be done by the
establishment should it wish to reapply for accreditation.

(i) “Letter of Non-Coverage” shall refer to the document issued by the DOT to the Tourism
Enterprise that has applied for accreditation stating that the Tourism Enterprise does not fall
under any of the tourism categories accredited by DOT. It shall also serve as a formal notice
to the establishment and the local government unit (LGU) concerned that the property is not
included in the scope of the DOT Accreditation.

(j) MICE Organizer shall refer to an entity engaged in the business of managing or organizing
congresses, conventions, meetings/conferences, exhibitions or similar events in a
professional manner for a fee or any form of remuneration.

(k) MICE Venue/Facility shall refer to a physical space designed and provided for events,
exhibitions, meetings/conferences, and conventions for a fee or any form of remuneration.

(l) “Minimum Public Health Standards” shall refer to the national, local, and sector-specific
guidelines on mitigation measures for its COVID-19 response across all settings by
implementing non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), consistent with the Department of
Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2021-0043 or the Omnibus Guidelines on the
Minimum Public Health Standards for the Safe Reopening of Institutions. This term shall also
encompass specific NPIs of community mitigation strategies or public health measures that
do not involve vaccines, medications, or other pharmaceutical interventions, that individuals
and communities can carry out in order to reduce transmission rates, contact rates, and the
duration of infectiousness of individuals in the population. (IATF-EID Omnibus Guidelines on
the Implementation of Alert Level System for COVID-19 Response as of December 14, 2021).

(m) “Motorized Banca” shall refer to a vessel of 20 Gross Tonnage (GRT) and below engaged in
providing water transport services including sightseeing and other water-related tourism
activities to foreign or domestic tourists for a fee or any form of compensation.

(n) “Online Travel and Tour Agencies” shall refer to Travel and Tour Agencies whose operations
are solely conducted through websites and other online platforms dedicated to travel and tour
operations.

(o) “Physical Inspection” shall refer to the ocular inspection of the premises of a Tourism
Enterprise conducted by the DOT Regional Office who are physically present on site.

(p) “Premium Accreditation” shall refer to the level of accreditation issued to a Primary Tourism
Enterprise found to have complied with the minimum standards prescribed under Regular
and Premium Accreditation of the Progressive Accreditation System of DOT MC 2018-03 or
the Progressive Accreditation System (PAS).

(q) “Primary Tourism Enterprises” shall refer to facilities and services that are directly related to
tourism such as, but not limited to, travel and tour services: inbound travel agencies and
tours operators, local tour operators, ecotour operators and tour guides; tourist transport
services whether for land, sea and air transport exclusively or majority of its seats are for
tourist use, including airport taxis and tourist drivers; accommodation establishments such
as, but not limited to, hotels, resorts, apartment hotels, tourist inns, motels, pension houses,
private homes used for homestay, ecolodges, condotels, serviced apartments, and bed and
breakfast facilities; hotels and tourism estate management services; meetings, incentives,

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 conventions and exhibition organizers and facilities; sports and recreational facilities such as,
but not limited to, dive shops, amusement parks, adventure and ecotourism facilities; foreign
exchange dealers an such enterprises as may be identified by the Secretary, after due
consultation with concerned sectors.

(r) “Regular Accreditation” shall refer to the accreditation issued to Tourism Enterprises found
to be compliant with both basic and minimum standards for the operation of tourism facilities
and services. It shall be valid for a period of two (2) years and shall be renewable thereafter
unless sooner cancelled for cause.

(s) “Secondary Tourism Enterprises” shall refer to facilities and services that may be related to
tourism such as, but not limited to, restaurants; specialty shops and department stores; sports
facilities and recreational centers such as, museums and galleries, theme parks, zoos; health
and wellness facilities such as, but not limited to, spas, tertiary hospitals, ambulatory clinics
and medical concierge; rest areas in gas stations; agri-tourism farms and facilities; tourism
training centers or institutes, including tourism trainers; outbound travel agencies; and such
other enterprises as may be identified by the Secretary, after due consultation with concerned
stores. The following Secondary Tourism Enterprises are defined as follows:

a. Ambulatory Clinic shall refer to a government or privately owned institution which is a

primarily organized, constructed, renovated or otherwise established for the purpose
of providing elective surgical treatment of out-patients whose recovery, under normal
and routine circumstances, will not require in-patient care.

b. “Department Store” shall refer to a store that sells or carries several lines of
merchandise that is organized into separate sections for the purpose of promotion,
service, accounting and control.

c. “Farm Tourism Camp” shall refer to any farm area that accepts visitors to get
involved in farm activities and to enjoy and learn rural life style

c.1. “Farm Stays” shall refer to farms that offer accommodation and meals for guests
who stay for the purpose of participating in, or enjoying interactive on-farm
activities and other services offered to enrich the farm life experiences. It may
be in the form of a farm house, farm lodge, cabana, etc.

c.2. “Day Farm" shall refer to farm ideal for day visits which may be in the form of
farm tour, farm work experience, farm restaurant, pick and pay, etc.

d. “Museum” shall refer to an institutional establishment where a collection of valuable

objects and artifacts on history and culture, arts and sciences are put on exhibition
for the general public.

e. “Restaurant” shall refer to any establishment offering refreshments and/or meals to

the public.

f. “Rest Room” shall refer to a room with adequate, clean and well-maintained toilet
and washing facilities. Tissue paper, soap, hand paper/towel shall also be provided.

g. Spa shall refer to an establishment that has a holistic approach to health and
wellness, rest and relaxation that aims to treat the body, mind and spirit by integrating
a range of professionally administered health, wellness, fitness and beauty, water
treatment and services.

h. Tertiary Hospital (for Medical Tourism) shall refer to an institution that provides clinical

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 care and management, as well as specialized and sub-specialized forms of
treatments, surgical procedure and intensive care.

i. “Training Center” shall refer to any establishment which offers one or more training
programs for tourism manpower development and is equipped with training facilities,
equipment and instructional staff.

j. “Sports and Recreation Club/Center” shall refer to any establishment offering sports
and recreational facilities to tourist and to the general public.

(t) “Self-Assessment Form” refers to a document or checklist where the applicant Tourism
Enterprise pre-determines its qualification for Regular Accreditation and Premium
Accreditation or Star-Rating by evaluating the degree of its compliance with the minimum
requirements or standards set by the Department.

(u) “Star Rating Accreditation” shall refer to the level of accreditation issued to Hotels, Resorts
and Apartment Hotels found to have complied with the minimum standards under DOT MC
2012-02 or the National Accommodation Standards

(v) “Surfing Instructor” shall refer to an individual who provides professional knowledge and
assistance on proper and safe surfing, for a fee, commission or any form of lawful
remuneration and certified by any recognized international surfing organization.

(w) “Sworn Statement of Undertaking” shall refer to sworn statement executed by the authorized
representative of a Tourism Enterprise stating that it undertakes to complete the requirements
for a DOT Accreditation and comply with relevant DOT standards, rules, and regulations.

(x) “Tourism Frontliners” shall refer to individuals being accredited by the DOT such as Tourism
Trainers, Tour Guides, and Surfing Instructors.

(y) “Tour Guides” shall refer to an individual with specific area qualification who leads tour groups
or individual visitors through a particular attraction, activity, site, or destination and provides
interesting or enlightening facts and information or interpretation, for a fee, commission, or
any other form of lawful remuneration.

(z) “Tourism Enterprises” shall refer to facilities, services, and attractions primarily engaged in
whole or in part in tourism and for the purpose of attracting visitors to and within the
Philippines.

(aa) “Tourism Trainers” shall refer to any individual who conducts training programs designed
for tourism manpower development.

(bb) “Tourist Land Transport Operators” shall refer to an entity regularly engaged in providing
land transport services exclusively, for tourist use for fee or any form of remuneration.

(cc) “Tourist Water Transport” shall refer to any watercraft catering to tourists. Watercraft is every
description of conveyance, except seaplane, used or being capable of use as a means of
transportation on water which shall include passenger ship, ferry, pleasure yacht and other
similar conveyances.

(dd) “Tourist Air Transport” shall refer to any air conveyance catering to tourists.

(ee) “Tour Operator” shall refer to an entity engaged in the business of inbound and/or local tour
operation such as organizing and/or conducting tours as well as making online reservations,
arranging and booking for transportation and accommodation for a fee, commission, or any

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 form of remuneration.

(ff) “Travel Agency” shall refer to an entity engaged in the business of providing travel-related
services such as transportation or accommodation reservation/ bookings, documentation of
travel papers, sale and/or issuance of tickets and selling of outbound tours for a fee,
commission, or any form of remuneration.

(gg) “Travel and Tour Agency” shall refer to an entity engaged in the business of providing both
Tour Operator and Travel Agency services, as defined above. “Virtual Inspection” shall refer
to the ocular inspection of the premises of a Tourism Enterprise conducted remotely by the
DOT Regional Office with the aid of a video conferencing online platform.

(hh) “Virtual Inspection” shall refer to the ocular inspection of the premises of a Tourism
Enterprise conducted remotely by the DOT Regional Office with the aid of a video
conferencing online platform.

Section 3. Scope and Coverage. These Guidelines shall apply to DOT-Accreditation of all
Tourism Enterprises in areas under the COVID-19 Alert Level System.

II. BASIC REGISTRATION, REGULAR ACCREDITATION, AND STAR

RATING/PREMIUM ACCREDITATION

Section 4. Discontinuance of Basic Registration. Unless otherwise provided by subsequent

DOT Issuances, the application for Basic Registration shall be discontinued. Tourism Enterprises
with expiring Basic Registration shall not be allowed to apply for extension, and may opt to apply
for Regular Accreditation instead.

Section 5. Regular Accreditation. New and renewal of applications for Regular Accreditation
shall continue to be accepted and processed.

Section 6. Suspension of New Application for Star Rating and Premium Accreditation.
Unless otherwise provided by subsequent DOT Issuances, acceptance of new application for Star
Rating and Premium Accreditation shall remain suspended. The following rules shall also apply:

a. No inspection or audit for star rating shall be conducted;

b. Star rated Tourism Enterprises shall retain their current star rating classification provided
that they apply for renewal of their accreditation. Once inspection is allowed, these
Tourism Enterprises shall be prioritized in the monitoring schedule of the Standards
Monitoring and Enforcement Division;

c. Accommodation Establishments applying for star rating to qualify for the issuance of the
Certificate of Authority to Operate for Staycation (CAOS) shall follow the procedure on the
Application for CAOS as indicated in DOT Administrative Order 2021-005 or its
subsequent amendments.

Section 7. Suspension of New Application for Master Regional Guide, Master Community
Guide and Specialist Tour Guide. Unless otherwise provided by subsequent DOT Issuances,
acceptance of new application for Master Regional Guide, Master Community Guide and Specialist
Tour Guide shall be suspended.

III. REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS OF APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION

Section 8. Documentary Requirements for New and Renewal of Applications. All Tourism
Enterprises and Tourism Frontliners applying for DOT-Accreditation are required to submit the

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following documentary requirements:

a. Accomplished Application Form

b. Documents required for each type of Tourism Enterprise, as listed below

Tourism Enterprise New Applications Renewal Applications

Accommodation Valid Mayor’s or Business Permit Valid Mayor’s or Business
Establishments Valid Comprehensive General Permit
Liability Insurance Policy with a Sworn Statement of
minimum coverage of at least Undertaking (Annex A)
P200,000.00 (for Mabuhay
Accommodation) or P500,000.00
(for Hotels, Resorts and
Apartment Hotels
Accomplished Self-Assessment
Form

Homestays Valid Mayor’s or Business Permit Valid Mayor’s or Business

Training Certificate from a DOT Permit
conducted Homestay Training or Sworn Statement of
any DOT-recognized or Undertaking (Annex A)
accredited training
institute/partner

Travel and Tour Agencies Valid Mayor’s or Business Permit Valid Mayor’s or Business
Sworn Statement of Undertaking Permit
(Annex A) Sworn Statement of
Undertaking (Annex A)

Travel and Tour Agencies
on a Work-From-Home
Arrangement
Valid Mayor’s or Business Permit
reflecting the home address of
the Applicant
Sworn Statement of Undertaking
(Annex A)
Declaration of Work-From-Home
Operation (Annex B);
Barangay Certificate of
Residency stating that the
applicant has been a resident of
the said Barangay for at least
ONE YEAR;
Valid Mayor’s or Business
Permit reflecting the home
address of the Applicant
Sworn Statement of
Undertaking (Annex A)
Declaration of Work-From-
Home Operation (Annex
B);

Online Travel and Tour Valid Mayor’s or Business Permit Valid Mayor’s or Business
Agencies Documentary proof reflecting a Permit
minimum of P500,000 working Audited Financial
capital (e.g. Bank Certificate with Statement and ITR for the
Check Writer, GIS, Certificate of preceding year reflecting a
Bonds, AFS & ITR) minimum of P500,000
General Manager’s Proof of at working capital1
least three (3) years managerial Contract of Lease for
experience in Travel and Tours occupied Office
operations or proof of passing Space/Residential, if the
DOT-recognized travel and tour place declared as residence
operator management course is leased and not owned or
Contract of Lease for occupied Certificate of Title of the
Office Space/Residential, if the Office Space
place declared as residence is Sworn Statement of

1 At least covering FY 2019 or 2020.

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 Tourism Enterprise New Applications Renewal Applications
leased and not owned or Undertaking (Annex A)
Certificate of Title of the Office
Space

Tourist Land Transport Valid Mayor’s or Business Permit

Operators Valid LTFRB Tourist Transport Service Franchise for the Vehicle
LTO Vehicle Certificate of Registration
Proof of Attendance to DOT-conducted seminar for Tourist Drivers
or Letter Request for Training of Drivers duly received by DOT
Regional Office

Tourist Water Transport Valid Mayor’s Permit or Business License from the LGU
Operator Valid DTI Business Name Certificate (for Single Proprietorship)
/SEC Registration Certificate and Articles of Incorporation and Its
By-Laws (for Corporation)
Valid Certificate Public Convenience issued by the Maritime
Industry Authority (MARINA)
Valid Certificate of Inspection by MARINA
Valid Certificate of Compliance with MC 65/65A of MARINA

Tourist Air Transport Valid Mayor’s Permit or Business License from the LGU
Operator Valid DTI Business Name Certificate (for Single Proprietorship) /
SEC Registration Certificate and Articles of Incorporation and Its
By-Laws (for Corporation)
Valid Certificate of Airworthiness from Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines (CAAP)
Valid Franchise to Operate the Aircraft issued by the Civil
Aeronautics Board (CAB)

Motorized Banca Valid Mayor’s Permit or Business License from the LGU
Valid DTI Business Name Certificate (for Single Proprietorship)
/SEC Registration Certificate and Articles of Incorporation and Its
By-Laws (for Corporation)
Valid Certificate Public Convenience (CPC)/Provisional Authority
(PA)/ Special Permit (SP) with attached rider, if applicable,
containing the schedule of trips and authorized rates and/or
certification for CPC with MARINA is under process indicating
therein the case number and date of application
Valid Certificate of Inspection by MARINA which validity shall not
be less than three months from the date of filing of application
Valid Copy of the Compulsory Passenger Insurance with
appropriate coverage for each passenger

MICE Organizers Valid Mayor’s or Business Permit

Sworn Statement of Undertaking (Annex A)

MICE Venue/Facility Valid Mayor’s or Business Permit

Sworn Statement of Undertaking (Annex A)

Health and Wellness Valid Mayor’s or Business Permit

Facilities Sworn Statement of Undertaking (Annex A)
Ambulatory Clinics
Spas
Tertiary Hospitals for
Medical Tourism

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 Tourism Enterprise New Applications Renewal Applications
Tourism Related Valid Mayor’s or Business Permit
Establishments (TREs) Sworn Statement of Undertaking (Annex A)
Sports and Recreational
Club/Center
Tourist Shops/
Department Stores
Museums/Galleries
Restaurants
Tourism Training
Centers
Rest Areas/ Rest room
Ecotour Facility
Farm Tourism Camps Valid Mayor’s or Business Permit Valid Mayor’s or Business
Valid DTI Business Name/ Permit
Farm Stay and Day Farm SEC/CDA Registration Valid Comprehensive
For Demonstration Farms of the General Liability Insurance
Government, appropriate Policy with a minimum
government permit and/or proof coverage of P250,000.00
of legal instrument that land is Sworn Statement of
being allocated for farm tourism Undertaking (Annex A)
use Valid Certificate or Proof of
Training of at least two (2)
Additional requirement for Farm staff on First Aid/ Basic Life
Stay Support or CPR
Proof of Completion of at
Valid Comprehensive General least 10-hour Farm Tourism-
Liability Insurance Policy with a related course
minimum coverage of
P250,000.00
Permits from Other Government
(DENR, FDA Certification for
processed farm products), if
applicable

Surfing Camps Valid Mayor’s or Business Permit

Valid Comprehensive General Liability Insurance with minimum
amount of ₱500,000.00 with a condition to answer for any and all
liabilities such as but not limited to bodily injury, personal injury and
property loss / damage resulting from or incurred due to negligence
of the pertinent surfing instructor on duty or the surfing camp in the
course of its business operation in accordance with the findings of
the appropriate authority;
Sworn Statement of Undertaking (Annex A)

Tour Guide - Regional Occupational Permit Occupational Permit2

Guide Certificate of attendance to a Health Certificate2
Tour Guide seminar by DOT or NBI/Police Clearance2 (for
any DOT Accredited Training Regional Guides; except
Center Senior Citizens)
Health Certificate Sworn Statement of
NBI/Police Clearance Undertaking (Annex A)

Tour Guides - Community Valid Police Clearance or Police/Barangay

Guide Barangay Clearance (issued Clearance2
within 6 months from the date of Health Certificate2
filing of application) Sworn Statement of
Health Certificate Undertaking (Annex A)

2 At least issued in 2020.

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 Tourism Enterprise New Applications Renewal Applications
Certificate of attendance to a
Community Tour Guiding
seminar by DOT

Tourism Trainer
Surfing Instructors
Proof of experience and knowledge of the subject matter handled
Copy of training programs as approved by the DOT/TIBFI
Valid Health Certificate
Valid NBI/Police Clearance
Valid Occupational Permit
Valid National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance / Police
Clearance
Proof of passing the Surfing Instructor’s Training Certification
Course or has a valid certification from any internationally qualified
and recognized surfing certifying organization;
Valid Certification for: (1) First Aid Course; (2) Basic Life Support-
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS-CPR); (3) Water Safety
Course
Valid Health Certificate
Sworn Statement of Undertaking (ANNEX A)

Section 9. Online application and submission. Application and submission of application

and the relevant documentary requirements under Section 7(b) shall be filed or submitted, and
processed through the DOT Online Accreditation System at www.accreditation.tourism.gov.ph.

Section 10. Inspection of Premises. To ensure compliance with (i) Minimum Public Health
Standards, and (ii) the required standards under relevant DOT Issuances, Physical Inspection, if
applicable, shall be conducted in the applicant’s premises in the presence of the Tourism
Enterprise’s owner, general manager or authorized representative.

The DOT Accreditation Officer shall discuss with the owner, general manager or authorized
representative the results or findings of the inspection, after which both parties shall sign the
Inspection Checklist.

Section 11. Virtual Inspection. Virtual Inspection shall be conducted in case Physical
Inspection is not possible due to travel restrictions, and other prohibitions, as may be issued by
IATF-EID or the LGU concerned.

Section 12. Issuance of Certificate of Accreditation. Except for Tourism Enterprises with Star
Rating Classification that applies for the renewal of their Accreditation, a Certificate of Accreditation
shall be issued to a Tourism Enterprise that:

a. is found to be compliant with Minimum Public Health Standards, as well as both basic
and minimum standards for the operation of tourism facilities and services; and

b. has undergone Physical Inspection of its premises, or Virtual Inspection, whichever is

applicable.

Section 13. Validity of Certificate of Accreditation. Unless revoked or cancelled sooner by DOT
for cause, the Certificate of Accreditation shall be valid for the following periods:

a. For Regular Accreditation. The validity of Certificate of the following specific Tourism
Enterprises shall be as follows:

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0
 Tourism Enterprise Validity
Accommodation Establishments
. Travel and Tour Agencies
Tourist Land Transport Operators
MICE Organizers
MICE Facilities/Venues
2 years
Tour Guides (Regional and Community Guides)
Farm Tourism Camps
Tertiary Hospitals for Medical Tourism
Surfing Instructors
Surfing Camps
Tourist Air and Water Transport Operators
Tourism Trainers 1 year
Other Secondary Tourism Enterprises
Motorized Banca Coterminous with
MARINA
Certificate
b. For Star Rating/Premium Accreditation. The validity of Certificate of Accreditation of
star rated properties that applied for renewal shall be for a period of three (3) years.

Section 14. Waiver of Accreditation Fees. Unless otherwise provided by subsequent DOT
Issuances, Accreditation application fees, whether for new application or renewal, shall be waived.
All other accreditation related fees, such as but not limited to Surcharges, Sticker Fees, Lost
Certificate/ID fees shall also be waived.

Section 15. Issuance of Letter of Non-Coverage. In case a Tourism Enterprise is beyond the
coverage of DOT-Accreditation, or when no existing standards is applicable to the said facility or
service, a Letter of Non-Coverage shall be issued.

Section 16. Issuance of Letter of Non-Compliance. In case a Tourism Enterprise fails to meet
the minimum standards for the operation of tourism facilities and services, a Letter of Non-
Compliance shall be issued.

IV. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 17. Transitory Provision. Applications for accreditation received prior to the lifting of
the State of Calamity shall be processed in accordance with this Circular.

Section 18. Suppletory Application of DOT Issuances. All other DOT Issuances shall be
applied in suppletory character in the implementation of this Circular.

Section 19. Separability Clause. If any portion or provision of this Circular is declared null and
void or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected shall continue to be in force and effect.

Section 20. Repealing Clause. These Guidelines shall supersede and repeal in its entirety DOT
Memorandum Circular 2020-005, and all other issuances inconsistent herewith.

Section 21. Effectivity. This Circular shall take effect immediately upon publication in a
newspaper of general circulation or the Official Gazette and upon filing with the University of the
Philippines – Office of the National Administrative Register (UP-ONAR). This Circular shall remain
effective until otherwise superseded, amended, or repealed accordingly.

23____
March 2022 2021.
December

BERNADETTE ROMULO-PUYAT
Secretary

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 ANNEX “A”

SWORN STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING

I, (name of authorized representative), (position) of (name of Tourism Enterprise), with primary

business address at ___________________________, do hereby depose and say that:

1. (Name of Tourism Enterprise) is a Tourism Enterprise as defined under Republic

Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009;

2. (Name of Tourism Enterprise) seeks to commence commercial operations and

has submitted its application for a Department of Tourism (DOT) Accreditation;

3. (Name of Tourism Enterprise) undertakes to comply with all the requirements for
a DOT Accreditation, as well as other DOT standards, rules, and regulations
relevant to Tourism Enterprises; and

4. (Name of Tourism Enterprise) understands and agrees that the failure to comply
with all the requirements for a DOT Accreditation or failure to observe DOT
standards, rules, and regulations relevant to Tourism Enterprise, may result to
revocation.

I am executing this Sworn Statement to attest to the foregoing statements and to comply with
the DOT requirements for the issuance of Accreditation.

_______________________________
Name

_______________________________
Position

________________________________
Date

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 ANNEX “B”

DECLARATION OF WORK-FROM-HOME OPERATIONS

I, (name of signatory in the application form), (position) in (name of travel and tour agency),
with primary business address at ________________________, do hereby declare that:

1. That (name of travel and tour agency) will be conducting our operations under a
Work- From-Home Arrangement during the pendency of the State of Public
Health Emergency or Community Quarantine;

2. That such operations shall be conducted primarily at the residence of (name of

President / General Manager / Authorized Person), (position) at (name of travel
and tour agency);

3. That I am attaching herewith a Barangay Certificate of Residency valid for at

least One Year covering the above-stated address;

4. That if such residence is leased, I am attaching herewith a copy of the Contract

of Lease covering the above-stated address.

_______________________________
Name

_______________________________
Position

________________________________
Date

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