26/03/2026
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
Regional Office VIII
Advisory No. 03 – 03 – 2026
SAFETY MEASURES FOR HOLY WEEK AND SUMMER SEASON
25 March 2026
In anticipation of the increased influx of tourists during the Holy Week and summer season, all Local Government Units (LGUs), through their respective Tourism Offices, are strongly enjoined to intensify safety, monitoring, and coordination efforts, particularly in destinations where swimming and water-based activities are prominent.
In this regard, all concerned are advised to undertake the following:
1. Conduct Regular Inspection and Monitoring
Ensure that all tourism establishments such as beaches, resorts, pools, and similar facilities are compliant with existing safety standards, including the installation of warning signages, delineation of swimming areas, and availability of emergency response protocols.
2. Strengthen Inter-Agency Coordination
Closely coordinate with Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs), Philippine Coast Guard, PNP, BFP, and other relevant agencies to ensure preparedness and immediate response capability.
3. Ensure Deployment of Trained Safety Personnel
Encourage and verify that Tourism Enterprises deploy personnel trained in Life Saving, Basic First Aid, Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), and Mountain Search and Rescue (MOSAR) in strategic and high-risk areas.
4. Public Safety Information Dissemination
Actively disseminate advisories and reminders to tourists and residents on swimming safety, weather conditions, and emergency hotlines through various communication platforms.
5. Establish Incident Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism
Maintain a system for real-time monitoring and ensure prompt reporting of any incidents to concerned authorities.
For urgent concerns and situation updates, you may reach the DOT Regional Office VIII through 0999-728-4581 (Smart) or 0927-581-6264 (Globe).
For tourist information assistance, you may contact DOT Tourist Assistance Agents via mobile at 0995-835-5155, through Facebook chat on the Department of Tourism – Philippines page, by email at [email protected], or via Click2Call and Live Webchat on the DOT corporate website (beta.tourism.gov.ph).
All concerned are encouraged to exercise vigilance and shared responsibility in ensuring the safety and well-being of all tourists and local communities.
Strict compliance is enjoined.
KARINA ROSA S. TIOPES, CESO III
Regional Director