On the DOT
By Atty. Helen Camarista

Latest DOT transport guidelines

The Department of Tourism (DOT) through the Office of Tourism Standards headed by lawyer Ma. Victoria V. Jasmin, Director, in agreement with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the related new Memorandum Circulars issued by said agency, has come up with the new policies and guidelines on tourist transport operations, as follows:

The Department of Tourism Regional Offices shall process all applications of tourist transport operators within their area of jurisdiction for purposes of DOT accreditation and endorsement to LTFRB.

•  A DOT accreditation shall be a pre-requisite for endorsement of the proponent's application for conversion of franchise.

•  The DOT Regional Offices shall likewise process and endorse to LTFRB the applications for dropping and substitution of units and extension of validity of franchise of tourist transport operators.

•  Only the applications of those units which were issued DOT endorsement and/or those which were previously accredited by the DOT shall be accepted for original or renewal of accreditation.

•  Vehicles which were issued tourist coupon and tourist chartered transport service franchise by the LTFRB are required to paint “How's My Driving” marking on the vehicles' body as per LTFRB MC #2005-006 (details of the marking are specified in the circular)

•  Vehicles with Tourist Rent a Car Transport Service Franchise are exempted from the painting of the “How's My Driving” marking.

•  The maximum age limit for tourist transport vehicles are as follows:

Cars and vans – 10 years reckoned from the year of manufacture

Buses and coasters – 15 years reckoned from the year of manufacture.

Accommodation facilities may be allowed a maximum of two (2) vehicles to service guests without a need to secure franchise.

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 Events calendar

July 15-September 30, 2005 –Deadline for submission of application forms for Essay Writing Contest and Slogan Making Contest; and July 29, 2005 - Deadline for submission of application forms for the On-the-Spot Postern Making Contest; sponsored by the Office of the Ombudsman in cooperation with the European Commission.

July 22, 2005 – Kabugana-an Thanksgiving & Recognition Program

(Venue to be announced)

July 29, 2005 - 25 th Anniversary of Women in Travel-Manila and launching of its nationwide project dubbed “ In Search of a New Philippine Destination”.

August 7-9, 2005 – Boracay Cruise, Central Philippine University Centennial

September 15-17, 2005 – Festivals of Western Visayas Exhibit, SM City, Iloilo City presented by the Institute of HRM and Tourism, Negros Navigation Co. and SM City

September 9-11, 2005 – 16 th Philippine Travel Mart, Megatrade Halls 1, 2 & 3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City with the theme “WOW! The Best of the Philippines! Tara Na! Biyahe Na!”

September 27, 2005 - World Tourism Day with the theme “Travel and transport: from the imaginary of Jules Verne to the reality of the 21 st century”