Department of Tourism(DOT)

September 24, 2021 Dear Ms. Muca, We refer to your letter dated 13 September 2021 on the number of diving centers in the Philippines, made pursuant to Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch. Our response to your request is due on 04 October 2021 06:04:08 PM. Unfortunately, it is taking longer than expected to deal with your request. We apologize for this delay. We have applied for an extension so we could work further on your request. We hope to be able to send you a response on or before 02 November 2021 06:04:08 PM. Should you have any questions regarding your request, kindly contact us using the reply function on the eFOI portal at https://www.foi.gov.ph/requests/aglzfmVmb2ktcGhyHQsSB0NvbnRlbnQiEERPVC0xNjYxMjMxODE5OTYM, for request with ticket number #DOT-166123181996. Thank you. Respectfully yours, Dir. Lara Victoria Estevez-Austria DOT FOI Decision Maker

October 4, 2021 Dear Ms. Muca, Greetings! Thank you for your request dated 13 September 2021 06:04:08 PM under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch. Your Request You asked for the number of diving centers in the Philippines. Response to Request Your FOI request was approved. We enclosed a copy of the information you have requested. With reference to the request for the number of dive tourists in the Philippines from 2010 to 2020, the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD) does not have this information because data generation from inbound visitor arrivals and market size estimation is not within their mandate as a regulatory agency. They suggest to request this information from Local Government Units (LGUs) with scuba diving businesses operating in their jurisdiction, or the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Philippines, which has the largest network of accredited member resorts and dive professionals. Your right to request a review If you are unhappy with this response to your FOI request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response by writing to Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat at 351 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made within 15 calendar days from the date when you received this letter. We will complete the review and tell you the result within 30 calendar days from the date when we receive your review request. If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Office of the President under Administrative Order No. 22 (s. 2011). Thank you. Respectfully yours, Dir. Lara Victoria Estevez-Austria DOT FOI Decision Maker