Senator Mark Villar welcomed the Senate’s approval on third reading of the proposed Child Tourist Safety Act, also known as Sandy’s Act or Senate Bill No. 1926, which seeks to strengthen safety measures and improve emergency medical response in tourism destinations.
The measure was named after six-year-old Sandy Garovillas, who died in 2023 after suffering a fatal allergic reaction following a jellyfish sting while vacationing in Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan.
“The namesake of this bill, Sandy Garovillas, is the child who unfortunately passed due to the untreated allergic reaction after being stung by a jellyfish,” Villar said.
Villar said Sandy’s case highlights the potential dangers faced by tourists in destinations where immediate medical assistance and emergency response services may not be readily available.
“Sandy is only one of many nameless tourists who met their end while vacationing in spots lacking immediate medical aid and emergency response,” he added.
Under the proposed law, identified tourism zones would be required to implement stronger safety protocols, improve emergency preparedness and provide access to medical assistance and necessary resources during emergencies.
Villar said the measure would help make tourist destinations safer while contributing to the continued growth of the Philippine tourism industry.
“Through the Sandy’s Act we will institutionalize immediate medical response and resources in identified tourism zones, nang sa ganoon, maiwasan na maulit ang mangyari kay Sandy at sa iba pa,” he said.
The senator stressed that tourists, especially children, should be protected from preventable dangers caused by inadequate medical facilities or emergency support in vacation areas.
“Wala na pong bata o turista ang malalagay sa panganib dahil sa kawalan ng medical aid habang sila ay nagbabakasyon,” Villar emphasized.
Villar also said stronger safety standards could help increase public confidence in tourism destinations while providing greater protection for families and visitors.
“Stronger safety measures will not only protect tourists and families but also help boost confidence in Philippine tourism destinations,” he concluded.