Eskaya qualifies as a Triple A resort - DOT

DIPPED in allegations of controversy even before it could be fully operational, Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa now gets the Department of Tourism (DOT) nod for qualifying as a triple A resort. And that is as far as its paper proposal for a 27-room resort and spa development is concerned. Coming out barely scratched from a land dispute over its acquired beach front and allegations of mangrove destruction in its shores, the resort owners just could not be let down. Acting on Eskaya's application for endorsement to the Board of Investments (BOI) for possible tax incentives, DOT Undersecretary on Tourism Services and Regional Offices Oscar Palabyab told resort President Richard Lim that his resort meets the minimum requirements for Class AAA resorts.

The classification is in accordance with the DOT Accreditation Code, he added. With the qualification, the DOT said it has favorably endorsed the development project to the BOI for registration under Executive Order 226. Earlier, Eskaya has applied for tax incentives here but Bohol investment eagles question on the legality of “allegedly using minor incorporators, to which the resort owners have denied. Over the pendency of the application here, Eskaya has managed to ask DOT endorsement.

With the favorable endorsement by the tourism department to the BOI, it also suggested that Eskaya secure DOT accreditation for the firm to avail of non-fiscal incentives bundled under the department's incentive packages. With the DOT accreditation, Palabyab said Eskaya can gain membership to the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation and be thus eligible for inclusion in its promotions and marketing programs.

Moreover, with the accreditation, the DOT can also work on endorsements to the Commission on Elections for resort exemption from liquor bans, to embassies and travel trade associations. The DOT may also issue department accredited identification cards to resort officials and employees as well as facilitate for airport access passes to qualified personnel. The accreditation also could help the resort in its technical and security facilitation support and assistance. With the status, Usec. Palabyab requested Eskaya management to update the DOT on the status of the project by submitting quarterly duly accomplished forms on the pre-operating status report.

l