Spa operators want amelioration tax lifted

CEBU, Philippines - The Spa and Wellness Association of Cebu (SWAC) and the Cebu Health and Wellness Council (CHWC), through the  Department of Trade and Industry Cebu Provincial Office (DTI-CPO), are calling on  the Cebu City government to abolish the amelioration tax imposed on them.

DTI-CPO provincial director Nelia F. Navarro said that the two organizations, especially the SWAC, will lobby for the amendments of the Cebu City ordinance which requires spa operators to pay amelioration tax which could get as high as P100,000 a year. 

This is because, she said, the spa industry is categorized as “entertainment.” 

Navarro said CHWC and SWAC have been advocating for the amendment of the ordinance, and even sent a formal request  to the city government.

At present, the issue is being taken up in the SMED (Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Development) Council .

According to Navarro, Cebu should take a serious move in developing the potential sector. Aside from helping the players to operate with lower operational cost, she said CHWC will also work with the Department of Tourism and Department of Health (DOH) for the  implementation of proper ranking for spas to properly standardize the quality of service and pricing.

Although there is an existing ranking or accreditation of spa operators required under the new Sanitation Law at the DOH, Navarro said there is also a need to partner with these two agencies (DOH, DOT) to realize this bid.

Under the joint clustering program of the DOT and DTI, Navarro said the two agencies are now looking at the concerns of the health and wellness sector in Cebu. 

CHWC is the umbrella organization of the health and wellness industry in Cebu. The private sector-led coalition is represented by champions from different sub-sectors in the broad health and wellness industry such as hospital/medical services, dental services, day spas, resort spas, hospitality, and travel and tours.

Aside from working closely with the LGU, the group is also finalizing a work plan with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to get funds for the development of the industry.

SWAC, as one of the active sub-sector organizations under CHWC, is actively cooperating with the formulation of the work plan. —  (FREEMAN)