A leader of a transportation cooperative in the Caraga Region has lauded the Department of Tourism in the area (DOT-13) after receiving accreditation from the agency.

Fernando Curato II, chair of the Caraga Butuan Transport Service Cooperative, sees more opportunities for the cooperative’s members with the accreditation they received.

“With this accreditation, we are now provided access to the airports, ports, and other areas of convergence of local and foreign tourists in the region,” Curato said in an interview on Monday.

Composed of 23 members, the group received the DOT-13 accreditation on May 30 after complying with all the requirements from the agency.

“Our passengers, especially the tourists, are ensured of their safety as our transport group because we implement strict safety and maintenance standards and comply with all relevant regulations and laws governing the operation of tourist transport services,” Curato said.

In addition to Curato’s group, DOT-13 also awarded accreditation to two other transport organizations: the Caraga Transport Cooperative and the Siargao Transport Service Cooperative.

DOT-13 Regional Director Ivonnie Dumadag said the accreditation will serve as a ticket to guarantee the tourists a quality experience while onboard the tourist transport vehicles.

“The quality seal that is marked on both the front and back sides of a vehicle unit is a stamp of excellence that would remind our tourist drivers to deliver the best,” she said in a statement on Monday.

Dumadag said the DOT may endorse the accredited tourist transport groups for the issuance of a tourist transport franchise to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board if they wish to acquire additional units.

“They may also avail of a free tourist drivers’ seminar to be facilitated by the DOT, airport access as a priority on airport concession agreements, and the opportunity to engage with DOT-accredited accommodation establishments and travel and tour Agencies,” she said. (PNA)