The long wait is over for foreign tourists and local businesses. This archipelago of more than 7,000 islands has re-opened its borders today to fully-vaccinated tourists from around 157 visa-free countries.
The guidelines for arriving tourists can be downloaded from this link.
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2022/02feb/20220203-RESO-160B-RRD.pdf
“The new guidelines issued by the IATF are an indication that, while the country has opened its borders to fully vaccinated business and leisure visitors, it is doing so with utmost care and with full regard for the health and safety of both visitors and the general public.”, DOT Secretary Puyat said.
Although there are some requirements and protocols imposed for arriving tourists, it is still a piece of good news to the tourism industry. That includes ESL schools, whose operations were thwarted during the closure of the borders for almost two years. There had been a high loss of employment and a number academies have gone out of business.
Although many schools have adopted the online learning system, students still prefer face-to-face classes. Students have pent up emotion to travel, to get out of their countries, and to learn. In addition, the passionate Filipino English teachers have been waiting to meet their students again.
This border opening seems like a rebirth of English as a Second Language education in the Philippines. With the assistance of the Department of Tourism, the country will once again become one of the top learning destinations in the world. It will soon get back on its feet again.
