LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES – LAGUNA

Km. 54 National Highway, Makiling Calamba City, Laguna

Tel. Nos.: (049) 502-0971 to 75; (049) 502-8946
Website: www.lpulaguna.edu.ph

Lesson 7
Accreditation in the Philippines
Aside from the requirement needed for the operations of the business such as Mayor’s Permit,
Barangay Clearance, BIR Registration, DTI Registration among others, any person, partnership,
corporation, or other entity desiring to operate a primary tourism enterprise like travel and tour services,
convention organizers, accommodation establishment such as hotels, resorts, apartelles, tourist inns,
motels, pension houses, and home stay operators; etc.

The accreditation is done to determine whether these establishment mentioned above are compliant
with the standards and requirements mandated by the DOT. This ensures not only satisfaction to the
patron or guest but more so their safety; and ultimately, for the enhancement and promotion of tourism
in the Philippines.

Accreditation
Accreditation refers to certification issued by the Department of Tourism to a tourism enterprise
that official recognize it as having complied with the minimum standards for the operations of tourism
facilities and services. The Certificate of Accreditation shall be valid for a period of two (2) years, unless
sooner revoked by the Department.

Process of Accreditation
First Step: Submission of the Application for accreditation online

Second Step: DOT shall issue a list of Documentary Requirements

Third Step: Inspection team shall conduct an audit of the establishment to determine
the classification and for the purpose of finding out whether it is being kept
and/or managed in manner conformable to the standard

Fourth Step: The DOT shall give direction to the keeper, manager, or operator to rectify
the defects or deficiencies within 3 months. Non-Compliance within the
allotted grace period may result in the cancellation and/or downgrading of
accreditation of the concerned enterprise.

Incentives and Benefits of Accreditation

1. Inclusion of the company profile in the official website of DOT and databased-related information
on all accredited establishment in the country is made available for the consumption of foreign
and local tourist and travelers.
2. Entitlement to subsidized human resource development seminars.
 LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES – LAGUNA
Km. 54 National Highway, Makiling Calamba City, Laguna
Tel. Nos.: (049) 502-0971 to 75; (049) 502-8946
Website: www.lpulaguna.edu.ph

3. Endorsement of tourism infrastructure projects to appropriate government agencies.

4. Endorsement of accredited tourist land transportation companies to Metro Manila Development
Authority (MMDA) for exemption.
5. Endorsement to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for exemption
from regular franchising process.
6. Endorsement to the Department of Foreign Affairs for the grant of accreditation,
7. Entitlement to free posting of marketing collateral materials at airports or another primary
gateway.
8. Endorsement to international and domestic airports for issuance of access pass to qualified
personnel to meet and assist arriving / departing guest, subject to approval of airport
management
9. Endorsement to local and foreign tour operators for inclusion of the accreditation entity in their
tour packages.
10. Endorsement of local tour operators and tour guides to the Commission on Higher Education
regarding engagement of transportation, accommodation, and tour guide service to students
participating in education tours and field trips.
11. Automatic membership with the marketing arm of the DOT, Tourism Promotion Boards (TPB),
for participation in its marketing and promotional programs.
12. Endorsement to COMELEC for exemption from liquor ban during election periods.
13. Endorsement to embassies and travel trade sociation for utilization of establishment’s facilities
and services.
14. Issuance of ID cards to bonafide employee of accredited establishment.

The New National Accommodation Standard

Accreditation of the Hotels, Resorts and Apartment Hotels.

RULES AND REGULATIONS TO GOVERN THE ACCREDITATION OF HOTELS, TOURIST INNS,

APARTELS, RESORTS, PENSION HOUSES AND OTHER ACCOMMODATION
ESTABLISHMENTS

PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 120 IN RELATION TO

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991
ON THE DEVOLUTION OF DOT'S REGULATORY FUNCTION OVER TOURIST
ESTABLISHMENTS, THE ACCREDITATION OF ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS ARE
HEREBY PROMULGATED.
 LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES – LAGUNA
Km. 54 National Highway, Makiling Calamba City, Laguna
Tel. Nos.: (049) 502-0971 to 75; (049) 502-8946
Website: www.lpulaguna.edu.ph

Classification of Hotels.
For purposes of accreditation, hotels are hereby classified into the following categories,
namely:
2010 2019 2020-2021
De Luxe 5 Star Isolation Facilities
First Class 4 Star Quarantine Hotel
Standard 3 Star Multiple-Use Hotel
Economy 2 Star Regular Hotel
Mabuhay
Accommodation

Classification of and standards requirements for Resorts

Kinds of Resorts.
Resorts may be categorized as beach resort (located along the seashore, inland resort (located
within the town proper or city, island resort (located in natural or man-made island within the internal
waters of the Philippine Archipelago, lakeside or riverside resort (located along or near the bank of a
lake or river, mountain resort (located at or near a mountain of hill and theme parks.

Classification of Resorts.
For purposes of accreditation, resorts shall be classified as follows:

• Class AAA
• Class AA
• Class A

However, on May 2, 2012, the Department of Tourism issued DOT Memorandum Circular 2012-02 that
introduces FIVE STAR grading system. The accommodation standards is a point system based on
inventory, availability, condition, and quality of a specific facility as well as service the hotel, resort, and
apartment hotel is offering. Thus, the new classification now are the following:

a) Mabuhay Accommodation – is awarded to those hotels, resorts or apartment hotels that

garnered 25 – 40% achievement (251 to 400 points) from the DOT. Usually, these enterprises
appeal to budget-minded travelers. There is a limited range of facilities and services.
b) Two Star – is awarded to those that garnered 40 – 55% achievement (401 – 550) points. These
enterprises appeal to the tourist seeking more than basic accommodation. They offer expanded
facilities and higher level of comfort.
c) Three Star – is awarded to those enterprises tat garnered 55 – 70% achievement (551 – 700)
points. These enterprises offer a very good level of accommodation. There are more spacious
public areas, higher quality facilities and a greater range of services
 LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES – LAGUNA
Km. 54 National Highway, Makiling Calamba City, Laguna
Tel. Nos.: (049) 502-0971 to 75; (049) 502-8946
Website: www.lpulaguna.edu.ph

d) Four Star – is granted to those enterprises that garnered 70 – 85% achievement (701 – 850
points). These properties are upscale in all areas. Accommodation is refined and stylish. Service
is responsive, often including an extensive array of facilities.
e) Five Star – is awarded to those enterprises that garnered 85 – 100% achievement (801 to 1000
points). These properties reflect the characteristics of luxury and sophistication. The facilities are
world-class in every manner and the meticulous service exceeds all guest expectations.

Basic Requirements for Accreditation of Tourist Land Transportation Vehicles

For purpose of accreditation the following are the basic requirements for the operations and
maintenance of a tourist land transport, to wit.

• Registered Capacity. A tourist land transportation operator shall only be allowed to apply for
accreditation for the number of units covered by its franchise from the Land Transportation
Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)
• Roadworthiness. To be registered, every tourist transport must be found road roadworthy upon
inspection by a team from the Department, in the case of bus or coaster, it shall not be more
than 10years, nor more than five years for a tourist car reckoned from the year of manufacturer.
• Left-Hand Drive – every tourist transport shall be provided with a left-hand drive
• Ventilation – every tourist transportation shall be properly equipped with adequate air
conditioning units.
• Fire-Fighting Facilities – a tourist transport shall be provided or installed with at least one
portable fire extinguisher for the protection of its passenger.
• Imprint of Company’s name and Logo – the company’s name and logo shall be imprinted at
the rear and sides, respectively, of the tourist transport unit.
• Public Address System – for tourist buses or coasters a public address system shall be
installed
• First Aid Kits – every tourist transport unit shall be provided with a first-aid kit and an adequate
supply of emergency medicines.
• Seats – every tourist transport shall have clean and comfortable seats.
• Storage Space – A tourist transport shall have enough leg room and sufficient storage space
• Garage – every tourist transport operator shall provide an adequate garage and repair shop for
the maintenance of its equipment, as well as a parking space sufficient to accommodate all its
registered units.
 LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES – LAGUNA
Km. 54 National Highway, Makiling Calamba City, Laguna
Tel. Nos.: (049) 502-0971 to 75; (049) 502-8946
Website: www.lpulaguna.edu.ph

Basic Requirements for Tourist Water Transportation Vehicle

For purposes of accreditation, the following are the minimum requirements for the operations
and maintenance of a water transport:

• Restrooms - There shall be at least one restroom each with toilet and washing facilities for male
and female located at the passenger accommodation area. In addition, there shall be a common
toilet and bath at the cabin area for long-haul trip. Tissue paper, soap and hand/paper towel shall
also be provided.
• Reception - A receptionist shall be available to usher in guests.
• Refreshments and Dining Area - There shall be a refreshment area which shall be well-stocked
at all times. In case of long-haul trips, a dining area capable of seating, at least, one-fourth (1/4)
of the total passengers at one serving shall be provided with appropriate and well-maintained
furniture.
• Promenade Area - There shall be a promenade or airing space at the upper deck for the
exclusive use of passengers.
• Baggage Area - There shall be a baggage area provided with racks or similar convenient and
safe storage in the passenger accommodation areas.
• Service and Staff - Adequate number of well-trained, well-groomed, experienced, efficient and
courteous staff shall be employed. They shall wear clean uniforms at all times. Front-line staff
shall have a good speaking knowledge of English.
• Lighting - adequate lighting arrangement and fixtures shall be installed in all levels of the vessel
in accordance with the Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations.
• Life-Saving Device – Adequate life-saving devices shall be provided in accordance with the
Philippines Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations.
• Communication Equipment – Adequate communication equipment shall be provided in
accordance with the Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations.