DOT backs regulation of zip-lines

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Tourism in Central Visayas has expressed support to the move of the Cebu Provincial Board to regulate the zip-line businesses in the province.

However, the agency asked for deferment of the provision on requiring applicants the accreditation for their business operation prior to the issuance of license or permit.

DOT-7 director Rowena Lu Montecillo, in her position paper presented during yesterday’s public hearing on the proposed ordinance, said her office is yet to set guidelines through the Office of Tourism Standards DOT-Manila for accreditation of zip-line as a facility.

While the DOT is the government agency that looks up the safety and security of the tourists, Montecillo said it is high time that this kind of ordinance be passed.

Montecillo forwarded the proposed ordinance to DOT-Manila for evaluation and comment.

During the public hearing, some zip-line business operators in Cebu confirmed the Philippines has no standard yet on zip-lines prompting them to adopt international standards.

Jay Alera, safety officer of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., which operates the Kool Adventure Camp in Cansumoroy, Balamban, said they also have adopted the US Standard on Zip-line not for business but for educational purposes.

Additional requirement in operating the business is the Special Agreement in Protected Areas as suggested by Chamberlain Babiera of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7.

Babiera explained that SAPA is one requirement in securing business permit.

Engr. Vicente Abordo of the Department of Labor and Employment-7 also said requiring zip-line businesses with specialized trainings on first-aid response seemed to be reactive in nature.

Although there is no standard yet, Abordo suggested that zip-line operators should be pro-active and should be required to hire personnel equipped with safety officers training.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who sponsored the proposed ordinance, assured the operators that all their suggestions will be considered during the PB discussion.

Board Member Thadeo Ouano emphasized that they invited the operators not to argue with them but to hear their suggestions and comments. — (FREEMAN)