Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his full support for the proposed budget of the Department of Tourism (DOT) as he underscored tourism’s vital role in economic recovery, job creation, and the promotion of Filipino culture and natural beauty.
Speaking at the Senate budget hearing for the DOT on Thursday, September 25, Go stressed that the sector is a source of national pride and a key growth driver.
“As we all know, tourism plays a vital role in boosting the economy. It is also a great source of pride for the Philippines. Most importantly, it has been an avenue to showcase our culture, tradition, and beautiful destinations across the country,” Go, who is Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committe and a member of the Senate Committee on Tourism, said.
Go spoke with clear admiration for the country’s diverse destinations. “Napakaganda po ng Pilipinas, sa totoo lamang po kung iikutin n’yo talaga. Ako mismo halos, hindi naman lahat pero halos naikot ko na po ang magkabilang sulok ng Pilipinas – Batanes, dito sa Samar, sa west naman sa Palawan hanggang dito sa Mindanao, napakaganda po,” he noted.
He emphasized that after the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the Philippines is “moving forward towards recovery and is now ready to share the beauty and wonders of our country to the rest of the world.”
The senator also commended the DOT’s efforts to revive tourism through creative campaigns that encourage both Filipinos and foreign travelers to visit the nation’s top destinations.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go used the hearing to highlight the growing potential of sports tourism. He pointed to the successful hosting of major international tournaments as examples of how sporting events can attract visitors and stimulate the economy.
“Dahil napansin ko po ‘no, noong last 2023 we hosted the FIBA (Fédération Internationale de Basketball) Basketball World Cup. Bilang Chairman po ng Committee on Sports, napakahalaga po nitong sports at tourism,” he said, citing the economic benefits of the event.
“According to a recent report, this event was beneficial to our country economically. Ito pong FIBA World ang dami pong pumunta rito noon mga basketball players. Ngayon sila na po ‘yung mga NBA (National Basketball Association) superstars.”
Go also noted the ongoing FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) Men’s Volleyball World Championship: “Ngayon naman po kasalukuyan, ito pong FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship. Maraming turista ang pumupunta rin dito sa ating bansa para manuod ng sports competitions na malaking tulong sa ating ekonomiya.”
He then asked DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco about plans to strengthen sports tourism, suggesting improved coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
Frasco affirmed that sports tourism is a key priority for the DOT, noting that the agency has already established an Office of Film and Sports Tourism to help institutionalize this sector. Through this office, the DOT has actively participated in organizing and promoting major international sporting events, providing support for promotions, cultural activities, airport assistance, and volunteer training during high-profile tournaments such as the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships.
She also highlighted the department’s continuing support for other sporting activities, including surfing, running, and marathons, and said preparations are underway for the upcoming FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Women’s Futsal World Championship.
Frasco added that the DOT has already worked with the PSC and is moving toward the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with the agency to convene an inter-agency task force that will strengthen coordination for future sports tourism events.
Go then underscored that tourism makes a significant contribution to the Philippine economy. “According to reports, tourism contributes 8.9 to our GDP and provides jobs to over 6.7 million Filipinos. ‘Di ba may programa po ang DOT tulad ng Training Programs at Loan Programs to assist tourism-related businesses especially ‘yung mga maliliit na negosyo na nililikha dahil sa turismo? Ilan na po ang natutulungan natin dito, Madam Secretary?” he asked.
Frasco reported that tourism generates 9 to 16.5 million direct and indirect jobs annually, based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data. To expand livelihood opportunities, the DOT has teamed up with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for “Turismo Asenso” job fairs and with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for tourism skills training. Through its Office of Human Capital Development, over 345,000 workers have been trained under the “Filipino Brand Service Excellence” program.
She added that the DOT works with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to identify community-based tourism groups for the Sustainable Livelihood Program, which provides emergency assistance and training. Returning overseas Filipino workers also receive capital support and tourism-related training through a partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Frasco further noted that the DOT, together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), offers “Turismo Asenso” loans ranging from PhP 3 million to PhP 20 million at low interest rates to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Before concluding, Go raised the issue of steep domestic airline ticket prices, which he said sometimes cost more than international flights.
“Is DOT doing something regarding the reported high cost of airfares? Ano po bang koordinasyon ang ginawa n’yo sa DOTr (Department of Transportation)?“ he asked.
Frasco addressed the concern by recalling a meeting led by former DOTR secretary Vince Dizon with airline representatives, where the DOT raised strong objections to what it viewed as overpriced tickets. Following that meeting, she noted, some ticket pricing categories were reportedly removed and Philippine Airlines placed a cap on fares to Siargao, though she said this still requires verification.
She explained that runway limitations also drive up costs, since shorter runways restrict the size of aircraft and limit economies of scale. To improve transparency and curb excessive prices, the DOT has asked the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to publish a monthly airline ticket price index and has urged the DOTr to extend runways and upgrade terminals to handle larger planes.
With these measures and concerns laid out, Go welcomed the updates and urged immediate action while reaffirming his support for the DOT.
