THE Department of Tourism – Cordillera (DOT-CAR) is recommending the cancellation of the certificate of accreditation of Camp L&C Resort in Tabuk City, Kalinga, leading to its closure Following the death of a nurse on June 12 due to a fall from the zipline attraction.
Police said the victim, a nurse named Paul Gaayon, of Purok 5, Bulanao Centro, Tabuk City, went for a second attempt at the zipline after he was unsuccessful on the first try. Gaayon subsequently lost his grip on the zipline handle and fell to his death.
DOT-CAR director Jovita Ganongan said that investigations are underway to determine the responsibility of the resort in the incident.
“When we last inspected the area, there was no zip line, so it was given DOT accreditation as a resort and their accreditation does not cover the presence of a zip line in their facility. They did not inform us that they installed a recreation zip line, so it is against DOT rules and regulations,” Ganongan said.
A Notice to Explain has been issued for L&C, saying that violations in their compliance with safety accreditation standards will be grounds for cancellation of the certificate and complete closure of the resort, which is currently voluntarily closed after the incident.
Ganongan said that the DOT accreditation requires compliance with safety standards, among other standards set by the DOT.
“This is the government’s way to ensure that the tourism destinations that people go to meet industry standards,” Ganongan said.