Free RT-PCR test for qualified domestic tourists
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) yesterday announced that starting November 1, qualified domestic tourists can enjoy free real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC).
This financial subsidy program of the Department of Tourism (DOT), through the TPB Philippines, is part of its extensive efforts to market and promote the country as a safe tourism destination and pave the way for a more robust recovery of the tourism industry.
“As travel restrictions continue to ease up, we aim to encourage more tourists to visit their destination of choice by providing a full subsidy on RT-PCR testing. This program helps ensure the safety of tourists, tourism workers, and local stakeholders in various destinations,” said DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.
The partnership with PCMC was first rolled out in December 2020 which covered 50 percent of the hospital’s swab testing cost. More than 15,000 tourists availed the said subsidy program from January to June this year.
Last June 23, the second phase of the program was implemented covering July to December 2021. This is now amended to cover the full cost of the RT-PCR tests or a total amount of P1, 500.00 per test with a cap of 350 approved applicants per day, to benefit more than 12,000 qualified domestic tourists until the end of the year.
Previously, TPB also partnered with the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital in subsidizing 50 percent of the hospital’s swab testing which accounted for 17,320 tourists from December 18, 2020, to July 7, 2021.
To avail of the DOT-TPB full COVID-19 RT-PCR test subsidy program at PCMC, visit https://www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel/ for application procedures and requirements. Also, visit https://app.philippines.travel/ to get the latest news and updates on travel requirements nationwide.
