The Department of Tourism in the Caraga Region (DOT-13) welcomes the inclusion of General Luna town in Siargao Island as one of the six major tourist destinations in the country to receive a tourist first aid facility.

“A memorandum of agreement for establishing these facilities was signed between the DOT and the DOH on Monday. The first aid facility for Siargao Island will be established near the Cloud 9 surfing spot in General Luna,” DOT-13 Regional Director Ivonnie Dumadag said in an interview on Wednesday.

The DOT will establish the facility through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH).

Aside from Siargao Island, the same facilities will be established in La Union, Boracay, Panglao, Palawan, and Puerto Galera.

Dumadag said over PHP40 million will be allocated to put up first aid facilities in six major tourist areas in the country.

“Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco is set to start the groundbreaking ceremonies for the project this year,” she said.

She said Siargao Island can still be considered geographically isolated despite the increased number of tourists visiting annually.

“Given the situation, the first aid facility is crucial in strengthening emergency response, especially during accidents and other emergencies,” she said. (PNA)