The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Makati Medical Center Foundation Inc. (MakatiMed Foundation) partnered to ensure tourism destination health security as several Philippine landmarks gradually reopen to travelers.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and MakatiMed Foundation chairman Manuel Pangilinan signed a joint Manifesto of Support to formalize the partnership, the DOT announced Friday.

“Today, as we sign this joint manifesto, I am putting my faith again in the Makati Med Foundation to replicate their achievements in Boracay and enhance the level of health security in other parts of the country,” Romulo-Puyat said.

The Makati Medical Group previously provided assistance to the Ciriaco S. Tirol Hospital and Boracay Clinic by donating medical equipment and training the local medical staff.

According to DOT, such partnerships have helped “dramatically improved” Boracay’s health and communications capabilities. Another tourist destination eyed to benefit from the partnership is Siargao.

Under the manifesto, the MVP group commits to train and provide technical assistance to local public hospitals in designated tourism destinations, donate appropriate hospital equipment and media supplies as hospitals prepare to resume full operations, and re-open to tourists.

“We, at the DOT, are blessed to have partners that have enabled tourism to reboot and start anew, partners that wholly support our advocacies and initiatives on our continuing path to recovery,” Romulo-Puyat said

MakatiMed Foundation president Victor Gisbert and DOT Undersecretary Roberto Alabado III also signed the manifesto. (PNA)