Lawmakers have called for a higher budget for the Department of Tourism (DOT) in 2026, citing the industry’s significant impact on livelihoods and the economy.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in a budget presentation on Monday presented the proposed P3.71 billion budget under the National Expenditure Program.
The breakdown includes P3.19 billion for the Office of the Secretary. The Intramuros Administration, the National Parks Development Committee and the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving would receive P159 million, P320 million and P44.9 million, respectively.
House vice chairperson Bernadette Escudero of Sorsogon’s 1st District said tourism projects could uplift local communities.
Other lawmakers, including Jose Teves Jr. of TGP party-list, Carl Nicolas Cari of Leyte’s 5th District, Javier Miguel Benitez of Negros Occidental’s 3rd District and Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro’s 2nd District pushed for a higher allocation, specifically for the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP).
Rodriguez proposed restoring at least P6 billion for road projects to tourist destinations, particularly in the southern Philippines.
Frasco noted the tourism sector’s strong performance in 2024, which generated P3.86 trillion in internal expenditure, accounting for 8.9 percent of the country’s GDP and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
She said that domestic trips hit a record 134 million, and inbound tourism brought in P700 billion. Tourism also provided employment for 6.75 million Filipinos, or 13.4 percent of the national workforce.
She also outlined ongoing initiatives under the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028, such as the rollout of Tourist Rest Areas, the Tourism Champions Challenge, the Philippine Experience Program and the training of more than 330,000 workers under the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence.
The DOT said it continues to advocate for improved connectivity, halal tourism and a more robust global presence through international expos and events.
“The story of Philippine tourism has been one of resilience amidst struggles, resourcefulness amidst fiscal limitations and resolve to remain a source of hope for millions of Filipinos,” Frasco said.
