Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

8074

House Bill No.

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This proposed measure seeks to mandate personnel of business establishments,
members of organizations or associations and all other persons providing tourism services to
undergo basic first aid training.

Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of our country as it creates income and
generates jobs. According to the latest report of the World Travel and Tourism Council
(WTTC) entitled “Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2018,” travel and tourism contributed
around P3.35 trillion to the Philippine economy, accounting for about 21 percent of the
country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The same report attributes this contribution to the
economic activity generated by industries such as hotels, travel agents, airlines and other
passenger transportation as well as activities of the restaurant and leisure industries directly
supported by tourists.

In order to sustain and further improve our gains in this industry, the country needs to
ensure not only the development of vital infrastructures. We should also work towards
equipping our people involved in this sector with the necessary skills and training to cater to
the needs of travelers and tourists. Recently, there have been increasing reports of accidents
involving tourists with varying results ranging from minor to fatal injuries. Clearly, safety of
tourists is one critical concern that we need to address. The government needs to ensure that
people engaged in tourism services must, at the very least, be trained in giving first aid to
tourists who are victims of accidents. Moreover, first aid kids must also be readily available to
ensure that the victims have a fighting chance of survival.

Promoting the Philippines as a top tourist destination should not only entail highlighting
our beautiful and scenic spots, our hospitable people, and our rich history and culture. It should
also involve promoting our country as one of the best destinations where tourists are assured
of their safety.

In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

oA bk B. bison
Representative

Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No. 8074

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

AN ACT
REQUIRING PERSONNEL OF BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS, MEMBERS OF
ORGANIZATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS AND ALL OTHER PERSONS PROVIDING
TOURISM SERVICES TO UNDERGO BASIC FIRST AID TRAINING.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Tourist Safety Act.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~The State recognizes the importance of tourism to the
‘economy of the country and in promoting goodwill among our people as well as with other
peoples in the community of nations. It is therefore imperative to develop the necessary
infrastructures and human resources that shall guarantee the promotion of sustainable tourism
and the safety of tourists in the country. Toward this end, the State shall ensure that people
providing tourism services be equipped with the necessary skills and training to achieve these
objectives.

Sec. 3. First Aid Training Required. ~ Personnel of business establishments, members
of organizations or associations and all other persons providing tourism services are hereby
required to undergo basic first aid training. For the purposes of this Act, tourism services is
defined as services rendered in order to cater to the needs of tourists which includes, but not
limited to, services provided by hotels and restaurants, travel agencies and tour operator
services, tourist guide services, surfing, scuba diving and other water sports lessons, and such
other related services.

a. It shall be the duty of all business establishments involved in the tourism industry
to ensure that all their personnel have undergone basic first aid training by the Philippine
National Red Cross and other reputable organizations or institutions providing such training
who shall issue the necessary certifications for this purpose. Upon the effectivity of this Act,
these business establishments shall submit a swom statement attesting to the fact that all their
personnel have undergone basic first aid training, as evidenced by individual certifications to
this effect, to the concerned local government office as a requirement for the renewal of their
business permits.


b. Members of organizations or associations and all other persons providing tourism
services shall likewise be required to undergo basic first aid training by the Philippine National
Red Cross and other reputable organizations or institutions providing such training who shall
issue the necessary certifications for this purpose. Local government units shall cause the
registration of such persons under their jurisdiction and coordinate with the Philippine National
Red Cross or other reputable organizations or institutions providing basic first aid training in
order that such training may be provided to these persons.

Sec. 4. First Aid Kits. —In order to ensure the safety of tourists, local government units
shall ensure that all business establishments as well as members of organizations or
associations and all other persons providing tourism services shall be equipped with first aid
kits. They shall conduct periodic or regular inspections for this purpose.

Sec. 5. Separability Clause. ~ Should any provision of this Act be subsequently
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not so declared and not affected by
such declaration shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 6. Repealing Clause. — All other laws, issuances, orders, rules and regulations
which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended
accordingly.

Sec. 7. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its publication
in at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation.

Approved,