Free legal aid to tourism firms, lawyers get DOT discount cards

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) recently partnered in providing free legal assistance to DOT-accredited tourism enterprises nationwide while introducing a privilege card offering discounts to lawyers to boost domestic travel.

Included in the IBP legal aid program are offer consultations, training and representation to qualified DOT-accredited companies and their employees. The initiative is designed to safeguard workers and businesses during disputes and crises.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, stressed the importance of the collaboration.“ Our advocacy is we must take care of those who contribute to our country in so many ways – our tourism frontliners, our tourism stakeholders – who by their work alone ensure that millions of Filipinos are employed and benefit from tourism,” she said.

Meanwhile, the IBP privilege card will grant discounts and special rates at DOT-accredited establishments, such as hotels, resorts, travel agencies and tour operators, to stimulate tourism activity and expenditures. The DOT and IBP first announced the landmark partnership earlier this year during the 20^th National Convention of Lawyers.

“The success of the tourism industry is by no means a Department of Tourism sphere alone, but rather it is a whole-of-nation approach that requires the help of everyone,” Frasco said, expressing appreciation for the IBP’s collaboration.