DOT-12 starts accreditation of transport groups

COTABATO CITY - The Department of Tourism in Region 12 (DOT-12)is inviting transport groups to get accreditation so they can service tourists in the region, a tourism official today said.Nelly Nita Dillera, DOT-12 regional director, saidthis is in compliance with the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Department Order Number 2013-01 thatprovides all tourist transport operators an endorsement to the DOTC for tourist transport service franchise. If they are drivers that are accredited, it means they know the destination, they have hospitality, and knows how to handle tourists,” Dillera said,referring to the importance of applying for accreditation for Tourist Transport Service.DOT 12 is now inviting qualified transport owners andoperators to apply for tourist transport service franchise.Dillera said only notarized applicants with complete documentary requirements shall be accepted by DOT. The DOT shall evaluate whether the applicant is a legitimate tourist transport operator and shall conduct an inspection of vehicles and their garage within three days upon receipt of the application.After due evaluation and inspection, DOT shall endorse the application form together with complete supporting documents. Only brand new vehicles shall be endorsed. For this purpose, a brand new unit shall mean a unit manufactured in the current year when the application was filed.The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) shall grant or deny the issuance of franchise.Within 30 days after issuance of the LTFRB franchise, the applicant must apply for accreditation as Tourist Operator prior to registration with the Land Transportation Office for a tourist transport service license plate. Failure to do shall constrain this office to recommend to LTFRB the cancellation of the issued franchise. They will be evaluated and inspected to be aligned with the standards before accredited… they are not just any tourist transport that will transport tourists,they are trained because we require trainings for drivers as front line service provider… this will set them apart from just having a driver’s license,” Dillera said.