Over 6.2 million Filipinos are now employed in tourism-related sectors, contributing 8.6 percent to the country’s GDP.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday, Sept 17, breezed through the 2025 Plenary Budget Hearing at the House of Representatives.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed her gratitude to lawmakers after the swift deliberation of the 2025 budget for the DOT and its attached agencies, with proceedings lasting no more than 30 minutes.
Sponsoring the DOT’s budget for FY 2025, Isabela 6th district Representative Faustino “Inno” Dy, V emphasized the importance of the tourism industry to the economy and in heralding the Filipino identity on the global stage. “More than an economic driver, tourism is the heart that beats at the core of our identity as Filipinos. It tells us the story of our rich heritage, our vibrant communities, and the natural wonders that define our archipelago. It is a force that unites us, fuels our economy, and showcases the best of who we are to the world,” Rep. Dy said.
According to Dy, the proposed budget of the DOT embodies the vision of reinforcing the central role that tourism plays in the nation’s development and in the lives of millions of Filipinos, adding that the “budget is not merely a fiscal allocation, but rather a strategic investment in our nation’s future.”
This year has proven the resilience of the Philippines’ tourism sector. Over 6.2 million Filipinos are now employed in tourism-related sectors, contributing 8.6 percent to the country’s GDP. Combined domestic and international tourism expenditure, meanwhile, reached P3.36 trillion. Moreover, the Tourism Direct Gross Value Added soared to P2.09 trillion, achieving the highest growth rate in nearly a quarter century.
Rep. Dy further shared that the industry registered a net trade surplus of approximately $2.45 billion in travel services—the first time in 15 years.
The DOT and its attached agencies have a total proposed budget amounting to P3.394 billion, of which 83% or P2.84 billion is allocated to the Office of the Secretary (OSEC). Attached agencies such as the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), will get an allocation of P384 million, while the Intramuros Administration (IA) and the Philippine Commission of Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD) will have P146 million and P25 million, respectively.
During the interpellation, OFW Partylist Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino commended the DOT’s initiatives aimed at supporting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through initiatives such as the ongoing convergence program with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) dubbed ‘Balik Bayani sa Turismo.’
Meanwhile, Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Northern Samar first district Representative Paul Daza urged for the Majority’s reconsideration of the DOT’s budget. He pointed out the huge disparity between tourism’s economic contributions and the fiscal support it gets year after year through the National Expenditure Program.
There being no other interpellators, the session ended 30 minutes after it opened.
