002

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2021 - _______

RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ACCREDITATION OF TOUR GUIDES

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5 of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009,
the Department of Tourism (DOT) is the primary planning, programming, coordinating,
implementing and regulatory government agency in the development and promotion of the
tourism industry, both domestic and international, in coordination with attached agencies and
other government instrumentalities;

WHEREAS, R.A. No. 9593 also provides that the DOT is mandated to formulate and
promulgate rules, and regulations governing the operation and activities of all tourism
enterprises, including but not limited to a national standard for licensing, accreditation, and
classification of tourism enterprises, prescribing therein minimum levels of operating quality
and efficiency for their operation in accordance with recognized international standards;

WHEREAS, under R.A. No. 9593, Tourism enterprises refer to facilities, services, and
attractions involved in tourism, such as Tour Guide services;

WHEREAS, on 20 April 1992, the DOT issued the Rules and Regulations to Govern the
Accreditation of Travel and Tour Services, which provided for the requirements for
accreditation of Tour Guides;

WHEREAS, to reinforce the invaluable role of Tour Guides in the tourism industry and to
facilitate tourism competitiveness through training and enhancement of skills, there is a need
to strengthen the accreditation of Tour Guides;

NOW THEREFORE, based on the foregoing, these Rules and Regulations Governing the
Accreditation of Tour Guides are hereby issued:

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Circular, the term:

(a) Accreditation refers to a certification issued by the Department to a tourism

enterprise that officially recognizes it as having complied with the minimum standards
for the operation of tourism facilities and services.

(b) Cancellation refers to the penalty of removal of the rights and benefits of
accreditation with no right to reapply.

(c) Community Tour Guides Training refers to a DOT training program for tour guides
residing in a local community to cultivate their skills and competencies for the
development and promotion of sustainable community-based tourism, provision of
quality service to tourists and employment generation.

(d) Department refers to the Department of Tourism.

(e) Professional Tour Guide Qualification Examination or PTGQualEx shall refer to

the national qualification examination for aspiring professional Tour Guides which
consists of a three-part assessment to be administered by the DOT:

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 1. Panel interview;
2. Written examination; and
3. Mock tour

(f) Revocation refers to the removal of the rights and benefits of accreditation with a
right to reapply once the period of revocation is lifted.

(g) Suspension refers to temporary withholding of accreditation for three (3) months to
one (1) year, as a result of non-conformance with any of the provisions of this Circular
or commission of the prohibited Acts enumerated under Sections 22 and 23.

(h) Tour Guide refers to an individual with specific area qualification who leads tour
groups or individual visitors through a particular attraction, activity, site, or destination
and provides interesting or enlightening facts and information or interpretation, for a
fee, commission, or any other form of lawful remuneration.

(i) Tour Guide Level refers to the level and/or rank of an accredited Regional or
Community Tour Guide which shall serve as an indicator of the Tour Guide s e pertise
and experience in the industry.

(j) Tour Escort/Coordinator/Facilitator refers to an individual who accompanies

tourists or tour groups to ensure the smooth conduct of planned trips, and provides the
necessary support services to the group, but whose functions shall be limited as those
stated in Section 20 (c) hereof.

II. CLASSIFICATION AND LEVELS OF TOUR GUIDES

Section 2. Classification of Tour Guides. DOT-Accredited Tour Guides shall be

classified as follows:

A. Specialist Tour Guide refers to an individual who exhibits technical expertise and
knowledge in a specific field of interest or activity, as certified by a tourism association,
government or private institutions, and who is allowed to guide or lead tour groups in
any part of the Philippines within his/her scope of expertise.

B. Regional Tour Guide refers to an individual guiding within a region where s/he has
been issued DOT accreditation, and is further classified as follows:

1. Regular Regional Tour Guide refers to an entry level Regional Tour Guide who
has met the minimum requirements for DOT accreditation, including passing the
PTGQualEx, or an accredited Tour Guide prior to the implementation of this
Circular.

2. Master Regional Tour Guide refers to a Regional Tour Guide who has rendered
at least ten (10) consecutive years as DOT-accredited Regional Tour Guide and
has proven his/her expertise and experience in conducting tours, making him/her
eligible as a resource person or lecturer for tour guiding trainings.

C. Community Tour Guide refers to an individual who performs tour guiding within a
particular site, attraction, and/or specific activities in a community or locality where
he/she has been issued DOT Accreditation.

1. Regular Community Tour Guide refers to a Community Tour Guide who has
met the minimum requirements for DOT accreditation, including completion of the

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 Community Tour Guides Training, or an accredited Community Tour Guide prior to
the implementation of this Circular.

2. Master Community Tour Guide refers to a Community Tour Guide who has
rendered at least two (2) consecutive accreditation periods as DOT-accredited
Community Tour Guide and who has proven his/her expertise and experience in
tour guiding within a particular site, attraction, and/or specific activities in a
community.

Section 3. Upgrading of Classification. Regional Tour Guides (Regular or Master) may

apply as Specialist Tour Guides, subject to compliance with the requirements under Section
7 (A). Community Tour Guides (Regular or Master) may apply as Specialist Tour Guides or
Regular Regional Tour Guides, subject to compliance with the requirements under Section 7
(A) or Section 7 (B) respectively.

Section 4. Dual Accreditation. DOT-accredited Tour Guides may apply for and
simultaneously hold a Regional Tour Guide and a Specialist Tour Guide accreditation, subject
to compliance with the requirements of both classifications and payment of corresponding
accreditation fees to the appropriate offices. However, only those who were granted Specialist
Tour Guide Accreditation are allowed to cross regions to conduct tours on their field of
specialization.

III. REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCREDITATION OF TOUR GUIDES

Section 5. Eligibility for Accreditation. An applicant for accreditation as a Tour Guide

must comply with the following:

A. Nationality Filipino citizen or a permanent resident alien

B. Educational Background
1. Specialist Tour Guides should have completed a college degree.
2. Regional Tour Guides should have completed the Senior High Program, or
prior to the implementation of the K-12 Program, completed at least second
year college or a two-year vocational course.
3. Community Tour Guides Formal education is not required
C. At least eighteen (18) years of age
D. Physically fit
E. Language Proficiency:
1. Specialist Tour Guides proficient in English and preferably speaking another
foreign language.
2. Regional Tour Guides proficient in English.
3. Community Tour Guides conversant in English.
F. Must not have been found liable in any complaint filed with the DOT by a stakeholder
or tourist relative to tour guiding activities.
G. Must not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude by a court of law.

Section 6. Training Requirements for Tour Guide Accreditation. An individual who

seeks DOT accreditation as a Tour Guide must attend and pass the required training course
from any of the following:

A. Specialist and Regional Tour Guide

Institution Training Proof of Completion

TESDA Accredited At least NC-II Tour Applicable TESDA National
Institution Guiding Certification

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 Institution Training Proof of Completion
CHED Accredited
At least Three Units of
Higher Education Institution Transcript of Record1
Tour Guiding Course
(CHED-HEI)
Technical Vocational Transcript of Record
DEPED Accredited School
(Tour Guiding Course) (Form 137a)
DOT / DOT-Accredited Regional Tour Guiding
Certificate of Training
Training Center / Institution Course

B. Community Tour Guides

Institution Training Proof of Completion

DOT Office of Industry Community Guiding
Certificate of Training
Manpower Development Course

Section 7. Requirements for New Application for Accreditation. For the purpose of
new applications for Accreditation, the following documents must be submitted by the
applicant:

A. Specialist Tour Guides. The following documentary requirements shall be submitted

to the DOT Office of Tourism Standards and Regulation Standards Monitoring and
Enforcement Division (OTSR-SMED):

1. Letter of intent to apply as a Specialist Tour Guide;

2. Certification issued by a tourism association, government, or private institution,
pertaining to the applicant s technical expertise and knowledge of the specific
activity/specialization;
3. DOT Certification that he/she passed the Professional Tour Guide Qualifications
Examination (PTGQualEx), except those who have been accredited prior to the
implementation of this Circular;
4. DOT Certification that applicant has passed the Validation Interview;
5. Photocopy of College Degree Diploma;
6. Valid Occupational/Work Permit issued by the Local Government Unit (LGU)
where he/she resides;
7. Valid NBI Clearance;
8. Valid Health Certificate issued by a government physician stating that the applicant
is physically fit to work;
9. Negative drug test result conducted by a government-accredited drug testing
laboratory;
10. Valid Certificate of Training on Basic First-aid or Basic Life Support, if the applicant
did not undergo Tour Guiding Training with DOT or a DOT-Accredited institution;
11. Certificate of Training on Filipino Brand of Service or its equivalent conducted by
DOT; and
12. Portfolio of credentials on field of specialization or expertise.

B. Regular Regional Tour Guides. The following documentary requirements shall be

submitted to the DOT Regional Office with jurisdiction over the region where the Tour
Guide renders services:

1. DOT Certification that he/she passed the Professional Tour Guide Qualifications
Examination (PTGQualEx);
2. Valid Occupational/Work Permit issued by the LGU where he/she resides;

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The DOT shall not consider the CHED HEI-issued Transcript of Record if the completed Tour Guiding Course by the applicant
is integrated with a travel and tours subject or any other subject.

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 3. Valid NBI Clearance;
4. Valid Health Certificate issued by a government physician stating that the applicant
is physically fit to work;
5. Negative drug test result conducted by a government-accredited drug testing
laboratory; and
6. Valid Certificate of Training on Basic First-aid / Basic Life Support, if the applicant
did not undergo Tour Guiding Training with DOT or DOT-accredited institution;

C. Master Regional Tour Guides. The following documentary requirements shall be

submitted to the DOT Regional Office with jurisdiction over the region where the Tour
Guide renders services:

1. Letter of intent to upgrade level of classification from Regular Regional Tour Guide
to Master Regional Tour Guide;
2. Proof of having been a DOT-Accredited Regional Tour Guide for at least ten (10)
consecutive years;
3. Commendation or proof of superior guiding performance from any association of
DOT-Accredited travel and tour agencies, tourism council, and other tourism-
related organizations excluding Tour Guide associations; and
4. Certificate of Training on Filipino Brand of Service or its equivalent conducted by
DOT.
5. DOT Certification that he/she passed the Professional Tour Guide Qualifications
Examination (PTGQualEx), except when the Master Regional Tour Guide
Applicant has been accredited prior to the implementation of this Circular;
6. Valid Occupational/Work Permit issued by the LGU where he/she resides;
7 Valid NBI Clearance;
8. Valid Health Certificate issued by a government physician stating that the applicant
is physically fit to work;
9. Negative drug test result conducted by a government-accredited drug testing
laboratory;
10. Valid Certificate of Training on Basic First-aid / Basic Life Support, if the applicant
did not undergo Tour Guiding Training with DOT or DOT-accredited institution;

D. Regular Community Tour Guides. The following documentary requirements shall be

submitted to the DOT Regional Office with jurisdiction over the region where the Tour
Guide renders services:

1. Valid Barangay Clearance;

2. Valid Health Certificate issued by a government physician stating that the
applicant is physically fit to work;
3. Negative drug test result conducted by a government-accredited drug testing
laboratory; and
4. Certificate of completion of Community Guides Training conducted by DOT.

Local government units requesting for DOT s Communit Tour Guides Training shall
facilitate the required medical examination and issuance of health certificate, as well
as drug testing of community guides who passed the training.

E. Master Community Tour Guides. The following documentary requirements shall be

submitted to the DOT Regional Office with jurisdiction over the region where the Tour
Guide renders services:

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 1. Letter of Application to upgrade level classification from Regular Community Tour
Guide to Master Community Tour Guide;
2. Proof of having at least two (2) consecutive accreditation periods as a DOT-
Accredited Community Tour Guide;
3. Commendation or proof of superior guiding performance from any association of
DOT-accredited travel and tour agencies, tourism council, and other tourism-
related organizations excluding Tour Guide associations;
4. Certificate of Training on Filipino Brand of Service or its equivalent conducted by
DOT.
5. Valid Barangay Clearance;
6. Valid Health Certificate issued by a government physician stating that the
applicant is physically fit to work;
7. Negative drug test result conducted by a government-accredited drug testing
laboratory;

Section 8. Requirements for Permanent Resident Alien. In addition to the requirements

stated in Section 7, a permanent resident alien applicant shall submit the following documents:

A. Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card);

B. Valid Permanent Resident Visa or Immigrant Visa issued by the Bureau of Immigration,
or Retiree s Visa b the Philippine Retirement Authority;
C. Alien Employment Permit, if a Retiree s Visa Holder.

Section 9. Recognition of Prior Learning. A Certificate of Recognition of Prior Learning

from the DOT Office of Industry Manpower Development (OIMD) may be submitted by a Tour
Guide applicant in place of the documentary requirements stated in Section 6 hereof.

Section 10. Requirements for Renewal. Upon filing an application for renewal, the
following documents must be submitted by the applicant:

A. Specialist Tour Guides

1. Valid Occupational/Work Permit issued by the LGU where he/she resides;

2. Valid NBI Clearance;
3. Valid Health Certificate issued by a government physician stating that the applicant
is physically fit to work;
4. Valid Certificate of Training on Basic First-aid and / or Advanced First-aid / Basic
Life Support conferred by DOT, Philippine Coast Guard or DOLE Recognized
Training Providers (Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Red Cross (PRC),
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA);
5. Proof of completion of a 40-hour tourism-related course conducted by DOT,
tourism associations and organizations, DOT-accredited training centers, TESDA,
academe, concerned LGUs or other government agencies, completed within the
last three (3) years.

B. Regional Tour Guides

1. Valid Occupational/Work Permit issued by the LGU where he/she resides;

2. Valid NBI Clearance;
3. Valid Health Certificate issued by a government physician stating that the applicant
is physically fit to work;
4. Valid Certificate of Training on Basic First-aid / and / or Advanced First-aid / Basic
Life Support conferred by DOT, Philippine Coast Guard or DOLE Recognized
Training Providers (Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Red Cross (PRC),

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 Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA);
5. For Regular Regional Tour Guides, proof of completion of a 20-hour tourism-
related course conducted by DOT, tourism associations and organizations, DOT-
accredited training centers, TESDA, academe, concerned LGUs or other
government agencies, completed within the last two (2) years.
6. For Master Regional Tour Guides, proof of completion of a 40-hour tourism-related
course conducted by DOT, tourism associations and organizations, DOT-
accredited training centers, TESDA, academe, concerned LGUs or other
government agencies, completed within the last three (3) years.

C. Community Tour Guides

1. Valid Barangay Clearance;

2. Valid Health Certificate issued by a government physician stating that the applicant
is physically fit to work;
3. Valid Certificate of Training on Basic First-aid, Advanced First-aid, or Basic Life
Support conferred by DOT, Philippine Coast Guard or DOLE Recognized Training
Providers (DOH, PRC, BFP and TESDA);
4. For Regular Community Tour Guides, proof of completion of a 20-hour tourism-
related course conducted by DOT, tourism associations and organizations, DOT-
accredited training centers, TESDA, academe, concerned LGUs or other
government agencies, completed within the last two (2) years.
5. For Master Community Tour Guides, proof of completion of a 40-hour tourism-
related course conducted by DOT, tourism associations and organizations, DOT-
accredited training centers, TESDA, academe, concerned LGUs or other
government agencies, completed within the last three (3) years.

Section 11. Continuing Requirements for Accreditation. Occupational Permits are

considered continuing requirements in view of their limited validity. Thus, accredited Regional
and Specialist Tour Guides shall submit a valid Occupational Permit annually to the office that
granted their accreditation.

IV. FEES, CHARGES, AND PENALTIES

Section 12. Fees. Applicants shall pay the following accreditation and miscellaneous fees,
as may be applicable:

Tour Guide Category Accreditation Fee

Specialist Tour Guide Php 1,500.00
Regional Tour Guide Php 1,000.00
Community Tour Guide Php 500.00
Miscellaneous Fees
Replacement of Lost/Damaged Certificate and/or ID Php 500.00

Section 13. Lost Certificate/ID. In case of lost or damaged accreditation certificate or ID

card, Tour Guides shall be required to submit a Letter Request for Replacement of
lost/damaged accreditation certificate and/or ID and a duly notarized Affidavit of Loss.

Section 14. Penalties for Late Renewal. A surcharge equivalent to twenty-five percent
(25%) of the accreditation fee shall be collected for applications for renewal made after June
30 and a penalty of fifty percent (50%) for every succeeding year thereafter.2

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Sample Computation:
If renewing after the prescribed renewal period In PHP
Accreditation Fee 1,000.00

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 V. VALIDITY OF ACCREDITATION; MONITORING OF TOUR GUIDES

Section 15. Validity of Accreditation. The periods of validity of accreditation are the
following:

Tour Guide Category Accreditation Validity

Specialist Tour Guide Three (3) Years, ending every June 30
Regional Tour Guide
Regular Regional Tour Guide Two (2) Years, ending every June 30
Master Regional Tour Guide Three (3) Years, ending every June 30
Community Tour Guide
Regular Community Tour Guide Two (2) Years, ending every June 30
Master Community Tour Guide Three (3) Years, ending every June 30

Section 16. Application and Renewal Period. An application for accreditation may be
filed on any working day in the year. Renewal of accreditation may be made from April 1 to
June 30.

Application Period Renewal Period

Any working day within the year April 1 to June 30

Section 17. Non-Transferability of Accreditation. Accreditation and the rights and

privileges thereunder are non-transferable.

Section 18. Non-renewal of Accreditation. Applications for renewal shall be made during
the Renewal Period in accordance with Section 16 hereof. In case of failure to renew within
such period, the following provisions shall apply:

A. Specialist Tour Guides, Master Regional Tour Guides, and Master Community Tour
Guides who submit their application for renewal within the following periods shall
comply with the requirements below:

Period of Non-Renewal Requirements

1 day to 6 years after expiration of Submit proof of payment of penalties and
accreditation surcharges
Undergo and pass the PTGQualEx again
6 years and 1 day or more after expiry
If Master Community Guide, required to undergo
Community Guides Training again
B. Regular Regional Tour Guides and Regular Community Tour Guides who submit their
application for renewal within the following periods shall comply with the following:

Period of Non-Renewal Requirements

Submit proof of payment of penalties and
1 day to 4 years after expiry surcharges

Surcharge (25%) 250.00

TOTAL DUE 1,250.00

If renewing a year after the prescribed renewal period and every year thereafter In PHP
Accreditation Fee 1,000.00
Surcharge (25%) 250.00
Penalty (50%) (multiplied by number of years) 500.00
TOTAL DUE 1,750.00

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 Period of Non-Renewal Requirements
Required to undergo and pass the PTGQualEx
again

4 years and 1 day or more after expiry If Regular Community Guide, required to
undergo Community Guides Training again

Section 19. Issuance of Tourism / Travel Advisory. The Department shall publish
advisories against Tour Guides found to have violated the terms of their accreditation, which
shall contain the following details:

1. Name of the Tour Guide;

2. Location of accreditation, for Regional and Community Tour Guides;
3. The specific term or terms of accreditation violated; and
4. The statement that the advisory shall only be lifted upon proof of compliance of the
Tour Guide with the terms of accreditation in an application for lifting of advisory
submitted to the Regional Director.

Section 20. Monitoring and Coordination. As deemed necessary, monitoring of Tour

Guides shall be conducted for the purpose of determining whether the Tour Guides comply
with the rules and regulations set by the Department. Tour Guides are required to comply with
the following:

A. Regional Tour Guides are required to endorse and coordinate with Community Tour
Guides, when applicable.
B. Specialist Tour Guides are required to coordinate with the DOT Regional Office when
guiding within their jurisdiction.
C. Tour Escorts or Coordinators or Facilitators, as defined in this Circular, shall not in any
way act as Tour Guides. Their function shall be limited to tour coordination,
arrangement, or translating the narration of the services of DOT-accredited Tour
Guides during the tour, whenever necessary.
D. Tour Guides are required to wear their DOT accreditation ID during the conduct of
tours.
E. In the absence of a regional costume or uniform provided by the Tour Operator, Tour
Guide Association and/or LGU, Tour Guides must wear appropriate clothing in
accordance with the following prescribed Dress Code:

i. Polo Barong/Collared Shirt for Men

ii. Lady Barong/Blouse with sleeves or Collared Shirt for Women
iii. Slacks Pants for Men and Women / Knee-length skirt for Women
iv. Appropriate Attire for location such as beaches, mountains, etc.
v. Footwear appropriate for the attire and location (no rubber slippers)

VI. GROUNDS FOR DENIAL, SUSPENSION, CANCELLATION, OR REVOCATION OF

ACCREDITATION AND SCHEDULE OF FINES AND PENALTIES

Section 21. Schedule of Fines and Penalties. Pursuant to Section 39 of R.A. No. 9593,
violation of, or non-compliance with, any of the provisions of this Circular, or commission of the
acts enumerated under Section 22 and 23 shall be ground for the Denial, Suspension,
Cancellation, or Revocation of accreditation of Tour Guides.

Section 22. Grounds for Denial of Applications for, or Renewal of, Accreditation. The
Department may deny an application for, or renewal of, accreditation of Tour Guides on the
following grounds:

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 A. Making any false declaration or statement or making use of any such declaration or
statement or any document containing the same or committing fraud or any act of
misrepresentation for the purpose of obtaining accreditation;

B. Failure to comply with the standards and requirements for accreditation;

C. Failure to pay outstanding surcharges, fines, or penalties;

D. A determinative finding of liability for complaint/s filed with DOT against the Tour Guide;

E. Any other act or omission deemed to be detrimental to the tourism industry.

Section 23. Grounds for Suspension, Cancellation, and Revocation of Accreditation

and Schedule of Fines and Penalties. The DOT, after due notice and hearing, may impose
the following fines and penalties based on the following grounds:

FINES AND PENALTIES

GROUNDS/OFFENSES
st nd
1 offense 2 offense 3rd offense 4th offense
Three (3)
Revocation of
a. Violation of the National Stern warning months
accreditation Cancellation of
Code of Ethics for Tour and a fine of suspension
and a fine of accreditation
Guides (Annex A) P1,500.00 and a fine of
P6,000.00
P3,000.00
b. Unauthorized transfer and/or
Six (6) months
reproduction of Accreditation Stern warning Revocation Cancellation of
suspension
Certificate, ID, or any and a fine of and a fine of accreditation
and a fine of
document issued by the P1,500.00 P6,000.00
P3,000.00
DOT.
c. Grave misconduct,
discourtesy, dishonesty, and Cancellation of
N/A N/A N/A
evident bad faith in dealing accreditation
with clients.
d. Organizing tours as a travel
Three (3)
and tour operator without Six (6) months Cancellation of
months Revocation
the appropriate DOT suspension accreditation
suspension and a fine of
Accreditation and and a fine of
and a fine of P10,000.00
Ma or s/Business Permit to P6,000.00
3,000.00
operate as such.
e. Promotion, facilitation, or
conduct of activities
involving drug-related
Cancellation of
transactions or any form of N/A N/A N/A
accreditation
exploitation of women or
children, upon investigation
and due diligence of DOT.
f. Making any false declaration
or statement or making use
of such declaration or
statement or any document
Cancellation of
containing the same or N/A N/A N/A
accreditation
committing fraud or any act
of misrepresentation to
obtain the grant of
accreditation.
g. Violation of or non- Three (3) Revocation Cancellation of
compliance with any of the months and a fine of accreditation N/A
provision of these Rules, suspension P5,000.00

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 FINES AND PENALTIES
GROUNDS/OFFENSES
1st offense 2nd offense 3rd offense 4th offense
Orders, Circulars and other and a fine of
issuances issued by the P3,000.00
Department.
h. Violation of or non-
compliance with any of the
Three (3)
provision of the Rules, Cancellation of
months Revocation
Orders, Circulars and other accreditation N/A
suspension and a fine of
issuances issued by
and a fine of P5,000.00
government agencies and/or
P3,000.00
local government units
concerning tour guides.
Three (3)
Revocation or
Stern warning months to one
Cancellation of
and/or a (1) year
accreditation
fine of not less suspension
and/or a fine of
i. Any other act or omission than P500.00 and/or a fine of
P5,000.00 but
deemed to be detrimental to but not more P3,000.00 but N/A
not more than
the tourism industry. than P3,000.00 not more than
P10,000.00
based on the P5,000.00
based on the
gravity of the based on the
gravity of the
offense gravity of the
offense
offense

Section 24. Execution Pending Appeal. The Suspension, Revocation, or Cancellation

shall be immediately executory on the date of receipt by the Tour Guide of the relevant notice,
subject to an appeal to the Office of the Secretary within fifteen (15) days therefrom.

Section 25. Notice of Violation. The DOT shall likewise issue a Notice of Violation to the
LGU concerned to recommend the Suspension, Revocation, or Cancellation of
licenses/permits issued to the Tour Guide found to have violated the terms of his/her
accreditation.

Section 26. Lifting of Suspension. Suspension of Tour Guides shall only be lifted upon
serving the full term of the suspension order, and submission of a letter request for
reinstatement of accreditation, with proof of settlement of complaints filed against him/her, if
any, or proof of payment of any unpaid fines and penalties.

VII. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

Section 27. Grace period for renewal of expired accreditation. These rules shall apply
to Tour Guides whose accreditation expired and failed to renew the same prior to the
implementation of this Circular:

A. Tour guides whose accreditation expired on or after June 30, 2018 shall be given a
grace period of six (6) months from the date of the implementation of this Circular
within which to submit their application for renewal of accreditation, otherwise, they will
be required to undergo PTGQualEx. Failure to pass the PTGQualEx will relegate their
function to Tour Coordinators/Escorts or Facilitators as defined in this Circular and
subject to the provisions of Section 20 (c).

i. The provisions of Section 10 pertaining to documentary requirements for renewal

of accreditation shall be applicable.

ii. Tour guides falling under this provision shall be required to submit proof of payment
of the Accreditation fee, without any penalty or surcharge.

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 B. Tour Guides whose last accreditation expired prior to June 30, 2018 shall be treated
as new applicants when they apply for accreditation upon implementation of this
Circular, and shall comply with the requirements for new application as stated in
Section 7 hereof.

Section 28. Grace Period for New Accreditation. Tour Guides who passed the
PTGQualEx but failed to apply for initial accreditation shall be given one (1) year grace period
to apply, reckoned from the official release or publication of the PTGQualEx result. In case of
failure to apply within such grace period, the Tour Guide shall be required to retake
PTGQualEx in the following examination cycle.

Section 29. Accreditation for Applications Received Prior to the PTGQualEx. Except
for Community Tour Guides, Tour Guide applications received after the issuance of this
Circular but prior to the implementation of the Philippine Tour Guide Qualification Examination
(PTGQualEx), shall be issued a Regular Tour Guide Accreditation Certificate valid for two (2)
years, upon compliance with all the documentary requirements for accreditation, indicated in
Section 7 of this Circular. A Certificate of Training under Section 6 hereof in lieu of the
PTGQualEx Certificate shall be submitted

Specialist Tour Guide and Master Regional Tour Guide Accreditation Certificates valid for
three (3) years may also be issued upon expression of intent by the applicant (tour guides
prior to the implementation of this Circular) to upgrade level classification and compliance with
the corresponding requirements under Section 7 of this Circular. A Certificate of Training
under Section 6 hereof in lieu of the PTGQualEx Certificate shall be submitted.

A Validation Interview by a panel composed of one (1) industry representative, one (1)
specialization expert, and one (1) DOT representative shall be conducted for Specialist Tour
Guide applicants whose applications are received after the issuance of this Circular but prior
to the implementation of the PTGQualEx.

Section 30. Protection of Personal Information. Personal Information received or filed

with the Department pursuant to the requirements of these rules shall be protected in
accordance with Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

VIII. OTHER PROVISIONS

Section 31. Separability Clause. If any portion or provision of this Circular is declared null
and void or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in
force and effect.

Section 32. Repealing Clause. All previous rules and regulations, circulars, orders, and
other issuances issued by the Department which are inconsistent with the provisions of this
Circular are hereby repealed and modified accordingly.

Section 33. Effectivity. This Memorandum Circular shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following the completion of its publication in a newspaper of general circulation or the Official
Gazette. Let three (3) copies hereof be filed with the Office of National Administrative Register
(ONAR) of the UP Law Center.

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__ March 2021.

BERNADETTE ROMULO PUYAT

Secretary

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 NATIONAL CODE OF ETHICS FOR PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDES1

Tour Guides are required to observe the following standards of ethical conduct

I. Tour Guide and Clients

The fe i al g ide e ibili i hi / he clie a d i . I providing
services, the tour guide promotes an environment in which the human rights, values,
customs, and spiritual beliefs of the individual, family, and community are respected. The
tour guide ensures that a client or tourist receives sufficient and accurate information on
which to base decisions or to develop understanding on the culture and environment of
the destination. The tour guide holds in confidence, personal knowledge and information
and uses judgement in sharing this information. The tour guide shares with society the
responsibility for initiating and supporting action to meet the needs of the tourism industry.
II. Tour Guide and Practice
The tour guide carries personal responsibility and accountability for practice, and for
maintaining competence by continual learning.
The tour guide maintains a standard of personal health such that the ability to provide
service is not compromised. The tour guide uses judgement regarding self-competence
when accepting and delegating responsibility. The tour guide at all times maintains
standards of personal conduct which reflect well on the profession and enhance public
confidence. The tour guide, in providing service, ensures that use of technology and
scientific advances are compatible with the safety, dignity and rights of clients and tourists.
The tour guide also shares responsibility to sustain and protect the cultural and natural
environment from depletion, pollution, degradation, and destruction.
III. Tour Guide and the Profession
The tour guide assumes a major role in determining and implementing ethical standards
of practice, management, research, and education. The tour guide is active in developing
a core of research-based professional knowledge. The tour guide, acting through or with
the professional organization, participates in creating and maintaining safe, equitable, and
sustainable social and economic working conditions in the tour guiding industry.
IV. Tour Guide and Tourism Partners
The tour guide sustains a proactive relationship with co-workers and tourism stakeholders
in tour guiding and tourism industry as a whole. The tour guide takes appropriate action to
safeguard individuals, families, and communities when their interest and that of the local
tourism industry is endangered or jeopardized by a co-worker or any other person.
The Code of Ethics for Professional Tour Guides is a guide for human action based on the
i i d al e a d eed . I ill ha e ea i g l a a li i g d c e if a lied
to the realities of the tour guiding industry in a dynamic and vast tourism industry. To achieve
its purpose, the Code must be understood, internalized and used by tour guides in all aspects
of their work.
In order to align with the best practices of the tour guiding industry in the Philippines and in
the world, this Code is hereby adopted, to wit:

1 Based on the National Code of Ethics for Professional Tour Guides adopted by the Philippine Federation of
Professional Tour Guide Associations, Inc. on 22-23 July 2010.

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1. A professional tour guide shall function within the scope of tour guiding practice as set
forth in the laws, rules and regulations of the Republic of the Philippines.

2. A professional tour guide is expected to follow the rules and regulations and act
accordingly in any or all the sites and facilities where he / she takes visitors.

3. A professional tour guide has a wide range of knowledge about the locality where he /
she renders services, including its history and architecture, arts, cultural, political life,
and local folklore. A professional tour guide keeps current on new information,
seasonal events, tourism activities and other changes in the community. A professional
tour guide knows how to filter information, engages in research and does not knowingly
provide misinformation.

4. A professional tour guide knows and follows the policies of the company he represents.
A professional tour guide does not attempt to divert to another person or company any
business from the company that has presently hired him / her. All business-related
a ac i i h he clie h ld be ade h gh he c a . I i he g ide
responsibility to inquire from the tour company regarding continued service with a
repeat client. Loyalty for and to the tour company should be practiced during the entire
tour.

5. A professional tour guide accepts each tour as a serious commitment and cancels only
when absolutely necessary and provides as much advance notice as possible.

6. A professional tour guide does not solicit gratuities.

7. A professional tour guide does not force and impose tourists to patronize souvenir
shops and other similar places for the main purpose of gaining commissions offered
by the establishments to the guide; or abuse complimentary meal privileges offered by
food establishments.

8. A professional tour guide maintains the confidentiality and privacy of client and tourist
information, unless the client or tourist has consented through a properly executed
release for the disclosure of any information.

9. A professional tour guide cooperates with other tour groups and maintains ethical and
professional conduct at all times, cultivating a positive relationship with all colleagues
and other tour suppliers of the company he / she represents.

10. A professional tour guide respects the intellectual property and copyrighted materials
of other guides by not recording and / or using any material without permission or
quoting it without attribution.

11. A professional tour guide provides a skilled presentation of knowledge, interprets and
highlights significant information on the surroundings, and informs and maintains
objectivity and enthusiasm in an engaging manner.

12. A professional tour guide is prepared for each tour when the itinerary is furnished in
advance. He / she must know the guest/s relative background. A professional tour
guide assumes responsibility for reporting on time, at a proper place and for meeting
a i e a d all ched le i hi he g ide c l. A fe i al g ide i
sensitive to the interests and values of the tour group and refrains from sharing his or
her personal views on controversial subjects such as sex, religion, and politics unless
asked.

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13. A professional tour guide maintains good personal hygiene and dresses appropriately
depending on the nature of the tour or related activities.

14. A professional tour guide is knowledgeable on the best and safest routes for all tours.
This includes familiarity and adherence to local laws of the tourist destination. A
professional tour guide associates with the tour driver in a calm, polite, timely, and
respectful manner.

15. A professional tour guide engages and invests in activities that will enhance his / her
skill in the guiding practice including but not limited to, attending seminars and
trainings, and continuing education programs for professional growth and
development.

16. A professional tour guide adheres and advocates for sustainable tourism development,
including but not limited to, the principles of waste management, protection of cultural
properties and flora and fauna from illicit traffic, and protection and conservation of
museum collection and heritage sites.

17. A professional tour guide supports the protection of women and children and does not
condone or tolerate any unlawful tourism-related activities, like child labor, all forms of
prostitution, pedophilia, and human trafficking.

18. A professional tour guide respects people from all walks of life and does not
discriminate any client or tourist on any basis such as color, gender, ethnicity,
nationality, physical challenge, and the like.