Tourism stakeholders and front liners experiencing legal battles are now assured of free legal assistance, as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and the Department of Tourism (DoT) sealed a partnership during the 20th National Convention of Lawyers in Cebu City on Thursday.

Beneficiaries of the free legal assistance to be offered by the IBP chapters nationwide are the tourism stakeholders which are micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco described the partnership as a shared commitment between the DoT and IBP.

“This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering inclusive growth in our country, strengthening our institutions, and advancing the interests of our people. The collaboration between the Department of Tourism and the IBP symbolizes the power of unity in addressing critical needs in our communities, especially ensuring that justice and legal assistance are regularly accessible to tourism stakeholders,” she said, emphasizing the importance of building a robust and inclusive tourism landscape by heavily involving MSMEs to empower and sustain the industry.

As part of the agreement, the DoT and IBP will coordinate the proposed establishment of 24/7 tourist courts — another flagship project of the DoT under the Marcos Administration.

The said courts aim to facilitate the swift resolution of tourist-related incidents in key destinations across the country, particularly in areas with high tourist concentrations.

Further, the partnership will extend benefits to IBP members, allowing them to avail themselves of the DoT-IBP virtual Privilege Card, which offers special discounts for participating DoT-accredited enterprises, including MSMEs.

The virtual card will be integrated into the existing IBP application, where users can access a list of participating accredited tourism establishments. By taking advantage of the privilege card, IBP members can experience and promote the country’s diverse tourism offerings while contributing to the sector’s continued growth.

Additionally, the two-year agreement permits the IBP to incorporate the “Love The Philippines” tourism branding into its marketing materials.

For his part, Atty. Pido recognized the role of lawyers in nation-building and highlighted how the partnership would benefit both the legal community and the local economy.

“We celebrate a significant partnership that aims to provide benefits to our lawyers in good standing across the country. Today marks a significant milestone for the IBP. We recognize the vital role that lawyers play in our society, and this partnership with the Department of Tourism is a great way to show our appreciation. The discount cards will allow our members to enjoy the best of what our country has to offer while also uplifting the tourism sector. We are excited about this initiative and look forward to the positive impact on our legal community and the economy,” he said.