The Department of Tourism backs President Marcos Jr.’s call to generate quality jobs, citing tourism’s growing role in national employment and economic upliftment, with partnerships and investments driving sector growth.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday expressed full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to generate quality jobs, citing the tourism sector’s growing role in alleviating poverty and hunger.
The DOT, in a statement following the President’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), welcomed the renewed recognition of tourism as a vital economic pillar that empowers communities and creates employment nationwide.
“Under the Marcos administration, tourism has grown into a major contributor to the economy,” said DOT Secretary Christina Frasco.
“It currently supports 6.75 million jobs, or 13.83 percent of total national employment, with over 10 million more Filipinos benefiting through indirect employment,” she said.
The DOT also cited its continued collaboration with other government agencies to expand tourism’s social and economic reach.
It is working with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide social protection for tourism front-liners during disasters, said Frasco.
It is also working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Small Business Corp. (SBCorp) on the Turismo Asenso loan program, which supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the sector.
The DOT is also teaming up with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on the Balik Bayani sa Turismo program, aimed at reintegrating returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) into the tourism workforce.
Internal tourism expenditures reached P3.86 trillion in 2024, a 13.12-percent increase from P3.41 trillion in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, the DOT said.
The department said this growth reflects investor confidence and supports the president’s appeal for the global community to invest in the Filipino workforce.
“As the president mentioned, the task ahead is to find opportunities for the remaining 4% of our labor force, and tourism stands ready to help meet that challenge,” Frasco said.
The department also welcomed the president’s support for emerging industries such as Halal tourism, which it said aligns with its thrust to diversify and expand the country’s tourism offerings.
The DOT lauded the administration’s focus on improving tourism infrastructure, enhancing the overall visitor experience, and addressing critical issues such as climate change, peace, and security, factors it believes will strengthen the long-term viability of Philippine tourism.
“We remain committed to building a tourism industry that is globally competitive and deeply rooted in our mission to uplift the lives of every Filipino through dignified and sustainable livelihood,” Frasco said.
