BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - -  The Department of Tourism – Cordillera (DOT – CAR) and the Baguio Tourism Council, in partnership with the City Government of Baguio conducted a  three-day vaccination activity specifically set for tourism industry workers.  

A total 4,820 individuals   voluntarily submitted themselves for their first dose of COVID – 19 vaccination   at the Baguio Country Club from August 30 to September 1. 

Based on DOT – CAR data, there are around 4,000 tourism workers in Baguio that include those  from hotels, restaurants, homestay accommodations, travel and tour agencies and other tourism - related establishments. But for this vaccination activity, media practitioners, entertainers, artists, pony boys and transport/rental drivers were also accommodated.

In a ceremonial vaccination program at the BCC on September 1, DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo – Puyat, in behalf of the city tourism workers  expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders of the vaccination activity. She  outlined  the importance of vaccination for the recovery of the tourism industry and in ensuring employment and livelihood opportunities in the tourism sector.

“It is important that by the end of the vaccination day today, 100 percent of our city tourism workers are already vaccinated because when you think of tourism, lahat tayo nagkakahanapbuhay dito sa Baguio dahil sa turismo,” Puyat said.

“Importante naman mabakunahan lahat kasi mag-accept man tayo dito ng fully - vaccinated dapat naman protektado din ang mga taga – Baguio,” she added.

Secretary Vince Dizon, the National Action Plan against COVID – 19 chief implementer and testing czar,  also lauded the DOT and the city government of Baguio for the vaccination effort.

“Vaccination is really the ultimate solution to  our COVID – 19 problem. Kailangan talaga bakunahan natin ng mabilis at mas madami pa tayong mabakunahan na ating mga kababayan lalo na iyong mga workers natin especially our tourism workers, and for that we thank the leadership of Secretary Bernadette Romulo – Puyat,” Dizon said.

Earlier in the day, Puyat served as the guest of honor and speaker for Baguio City’s 112th Charter Day Anniversary program at the Baguio Convention Center.

In her keynote message, Puyat lauded the city government and all its partners and stakeholders in pushing forward for a better Baguio and in improving the life of the people through safe and innovative ways amid the challenges of the COVID – 19 pandemic.

She also thanked the city government for its continuing support to the tourism sector and she assured that DOT will always be there for Baguio in the pursuit of a new and better normal. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)