Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay pitched the Philippines as a top investment destination. She spoke to ASEAN business leaders on Wednesday, July 22.
The event took place at the Ayuntamiento de Manila’s Marble Hall in Intramuros. Ikhlas Capital organized the annual exclusive gathering. The private equity fund operates within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The meeting brings together policymakers, investors, and business leaders. They discuss sustainability, regional growth strategies, and cross-border collaborations. Former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima is a founding partner. Nazir Razak chairs the group. He is the former CEO of CIMB Group.
direction to make Philippine destinations “more investable”. Photo: DOT, 2026.
Secretary Angara-Mathay shared her background with the audience.
“Before I became Secretary of Tourism three months ago, I spent more than three decades at the Department of Trade and Industry working on trade, investment, policy, and industry development,” she said.
“Collectively, these shaped how I see my portfolio at the DOT– tourism is simply not just a sector to be promoted through marketing and branding but as an investment platform that encompasses; a platform that brings together infrastructure, connectivity, finance, technology, and the private sector to create the conditions for sustainable growth.”
The tourism chief highlighted the country’s vibrant culture, heritage, and natural assets. She explained plans to make local destinations more investable.
“When airports are connected to reliable roads, ports, utilities, digital infrastructure, and tourism projects, the impact goes far beyond the airport itself,” she added. “We want to create: not isolated tourism projects, but connected, investment-ready destinations.”
The Department of Tourism pursues a whole-of-economy approach. This strategy integrates physical and digital infrastructure. It relies on strong public and private sector partnerships.
One immediate priority is transforming the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. TIEZA is the infrastructure arm of the agency. The DOT wants to turn it into a stronger investment promotion body.
“We want TIEZA to become to tourism what PEZA and the BOI have become to industry: a trusted investment promotion and facilitation partner that helps bring projects from concept to reality,” she emphasized.
regional growth strategies, sustainability, and cross-border collaborations. Photo: DOT, 2026.
The DOT is organizing a high-level working group. This group will redirect and strengthen TIEZA operations.
The Philippines currently has five flagship Tourism Enterprise Zones. These master-planned areas hold natural, cultural, or historical significance. They function as integrated leisure complexes.
The five zones include San Vicente in Palawan and Mt. Samat in Bataan. Other locations are Panglao Island Bay in Bohol, Corregidor Island in Cavite, and the Rizal Park Complex in Manila.
Secretary Angara-Mathay also pushed for hospitality industry expansion. She wants to develop new Philippine tourism assets. These include upscale hotels, integrated resorts, wellness destinations, and convention facilities.
The DOT aims to boost cruise tourism. The agency wants cruise passengers to stay longer and spend more money.
The department recently launched the “Discover More To Love” campaign. This effort falls under the “Love The Philippines” branding. The goal is to grow higher-value tourism segments. These include MICE, education, retirement, sports, Halal, eco-tourism, and farm tourism.
The tourism chief ended her speech with an appeal to investors.
“We invite you to invest in a future where tourism becomes a stronger engine of growth,” she stated.
“As the Philippines navigates its future together with ASEAN, we look forward to navigating that journey with you—not only as investors, but as partners in building a stronger Philippines and a more connected region.”
El Gamma Penumbra provided entertainment at the event. The shadow-play group performed to the song “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas.” Their show highlighted Filipino creativity and talent.
Cabinet officials also attended the gathering. Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda were present.
