The Department of Tourism (DOT) wants a budget of ₱3.718 billion for next year’s campaign. Despite falling short of 2.16% in the target to get 5 million tourists. Senators Loren Legarda and Win Gatchalian, with Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, recognized the importance of sustainability in tourism. Taking the guidance of the Bicameral Conference Committee to strengthen the tourism sector. The budget strengthens the regional livelihood, improves transportation, and broadens the interconnected economic ecosystem. The approved budget of ₱3.718 billion is committed to a lasting tourism to benefit the Filipino people.
The DOT estimated a target of 5 million tourists this 2025. Tourism faced several challenges this year. 40 tropical cyclones formed 13 typhoons. Volcanic activities and earthquakes hit the country. The strongest factor that affects tourism is in Cebu. An earthquake of a magnitude of 6.9 affected tourism. Despite all the challenges there were 4,769,871 tourists. It fell short at 2.16% of the target.
At the Senate hearing for the national budget, there was swift approval for tourism. A deliberation that took an hour to approve the tourism budget. The DOT expressed its deep support from the Bicameral Conference Committee. The department particularly appreciates Senators Loren Legarda and Win Gatchalian recognizing the importance of tourism. To mention Representative Rufus Rodriguez, who also recognizes the strategic investment in the tourism sector.
DOT takes the guidance of the Bicameral Conference Committee process. A process that highlights evidence-based reality growth multiplier. Investing in expenditure on livelihood-related tourism and cultural recognition. Use public funds to translate visitor arrivals to stimulate demand for transportation. Backed with a data-driven campaign and a strong market presence. An approach to interconnect the regional economy into a national ecosystem. This ecosystem in tourism generated 8.9% of the national GDP. A total of ₱3.86 trillion in receipts in 2025.
Secretary Christina Frasco and the DOT commit themselves to spending the ₱3.718 billion for a lasting tourism. A commitment to build a globally competitive, resilient, and inclusive tourism industry. An industry to improve the Filipino lives in 2026.
