TIEZA, as the infrastructure and investment arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), joins the collective efforts of Government to urgently address the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the tourism sector, as well as the country.
Pursuant to the enactment of Republic Act No. 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One” Act, TIEZA remitted Php 12 Billion to the Bureau of Treasury to support purchase of medical facilities and equipment in response to COVID-19.
TIEZA has also allowed the use of its operating entities, such as the Gardens of Malasag Ecotourism Village in Cagayan de Oro and the Banaue Youth Hostel in Banaue, as temporary quarantine facilities, since March 21 and March 27 respectively. The agency has also decided to lend its sanitizing equipment to its surrounding communities. These may be used in tourism establishments, airports, and seaports, as well as hospitals in nearby tourism areas.
Furthermore, TIEZA is looking into initiatives through Tourism Enterprise Zones as a tool for recovery for the tourism sector, such as incentives and streamlining of processes.
TIEZA is commited to fully support the combined efforts of the National Government and its agencies in bringing comfort and relief to those affected and in overcoming this shared challenge.