Question & AnswerQ&A (DOT RULES AND REGULATIONS)
A Mountain Guide is an individual who guides tourists, both foreign and domestic, to mountain and forest areas for a fee, commission, or any other form of lawful remuneration.
Only resident Filipino citizens, at least eighteen years of age, physically and mentally fit, and of good moral character may qualify for accreditation.
An applicant must submit proof of passing a seminar for mountain guides conducted or authorized by the Department of Tourism, a certificate of good health from an accredited government physician, clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation, mayor's permit or municipal license, certification of skills and experience from the Department of Tourism Regional Office for local guides or from the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines for national guides, certificate of training from the Philippine National Red Cross, latest income tax return for renewal, and other requirements the Department may impose.
A fee of sixty pesos (P60.00) for the accreditation certificate and twenty-two pesos (P22.00) for the identification card is required.
The accreditation and identification card are valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of issuance.
Grounds include making false declarations or using fraudulent documents to obtain accreditation, failure to maintain accreditation standards, violation or non-compliance with the rules and regulations, conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, misrepresentation, misconduct, or any act that works against the interest of the tourism industry.
A Local Mountain Guide guides tourists to mountain and forest areas located in a specific region or locality in the Philippines, whereas a National Mountain Guide guides tourists to any part of the Philippines.
The Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines or any duly recognized association of mountain guides certifies national mountain guides.
The invalidity of any provision does not affect the validity of the other provisions, as the rules are declared separable.
These rules and regulations took effect immediately after their approval and promulgation on October 12, 1994.
Executive Order No. 120 serves as the basis for these rules and regulations.
All existing rules and regulations or circulars issued by the Department of Tourism that are inconsistent with these rules are repealed and superseded accordingly.