DAVAO CITY (PIA) – The Department of Tourism will conduct an investigation on the alleged gender discrimination said to be made by the employees and management of Isla Reta Beach Resort in Talikud Island, Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS).
This follows a viral Facebook post dated May 10 by a transwoman named Shannon Remotigue Gonzaga which recounted the details of discrimination she faced when she was barred from using the female comfort room during her stay at the popular beach resort on May 8.
The resort has drawn flak from netizens particularly from the LGBTQ community.
The incident was belied by the resort management and has led to the owner of the resort eyeing libel charges against Gonzaga for describing them as homophobic and transphobic.
The DOT said in a statement released May 13 said that the Department is an advocate of gender equality and mainstreaming, and does not tolerate any form of gender-based harassment nor discrimination in its systems, structures, policies, programs, and processes
“We enjoin the entire tourism industry to abide by our national laws on Gender and Development,” the DOT in a statement said.
Located in Talikud Island, one of the two main islands of IGaCoS, Isla Reta Beach Resort is known for its fine white sand beach and clear blue waters.
Meanwhile the IGaCoS local government has urged tourism establishments to establish additional restrooms for the LGBTQ community. (PIA/RG Alama)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
0 Comments