DOT backs mega vax facility in Nayong Pilipino

MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday expressed full support for the construction of a mega-vaccination facility at the Nayong Pilipino Foundation in Parañaque City.

The facility proposed by the National Task Force Against Covid-19 will offer drive-thru and walk-in services and is expected to inoculate at least 12,000 individuals a day.

“The Department of Tourism supports the continuing efforts of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF), a corporate agency attached to the department, in contributing to the national government’s response to the COVID pandemic,” the agency said in a statement.

“As the facility is temporary, the DOT guarantees that decisions concerning its use took into account legal, environmental, health and public welfare considerations,” it added.

The DOT said designing the facility is architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr. and his architectural design group, with minimal impact on the environment, similar to the mobile field hospital and drive-thru vaccination site on Burnham Green in Rizal Park.

“While the DOT’s mandate is the recovery of the tourism industry, it must submit to a higher goal — that of saving the lives of Filipinos. It will continue to find ways to aid the country in its overall fight against the Covid-19 crisis, ever aware that the recovery of the tourism industry depends on the successful solution to the pandemic,” the DOT said.

Last month, the DOT also allowed the construction of the mobile field hospital and drive-thru vaccination site in Rizal Park.