The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced the national winners of the Tourism Start-Up Challenge (TSC). This project connects the DOT with the Commission on Higher Education. It gives students a platform to create new tourism programs.
These projects must align with the National Tourism Development Plan. Winning teams receive funding to turn their ideas into reality.
A Legacy of Innovation
This initiative started last year under former Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco. The program bridges the gap between academic research and tourism industry practice. Current Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay continues this mission. She supports the development of student-led tourism solutions.
The TSC is an annual nationwide competition. Students from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) submit theme-based proposals. Experts evaluate these projects for potential impact. Selected teams receive grants from the Higher Education Development Fund.
National Winners Announced
The competition names three national winners representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each national winner receives a project implementation grant of ₱5 million.
The Naga College Foundation Inc. won for Luzon. Their project is called “Go Dare.”
The Siquijor State College won for Visayas. Their project is “SiquiScan: Smart Destination Management System for Sustainable Tourism in the island of Siquijor.”
The Ateneo de Davao University won for Mindanao. Their project is “Kuyog – Find and Book Local Tour Guides A Local Travel Companion and Digital Expo App.”
Supporting Local Tourism
The program does not stop with the three national winners. The DOT also recognized 17 regional winners. Each team received ₱250,000 as support to launch their projects in their respective areas.
Regional winners
- Region 1 : PHINMA – University of Pangasinan
- Region 2: Saint Mary’s University
- Region 3: Aurora State College of University
- Region IV-A: Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite
- Region IV-B: Occidental Mindoro State College
- Region V: Naga College Foundation, Inc.
- Region VI: Central Philippine University
- Region VII: Cebu Normal University
- Region VIII: Easter Samar States University – Guiuan Campus
- Region IX: Ateneo de Zamboanga University
- Region X: Bukidnon State University
- Region XI: Ateneo de Davao University
- Region XII: Santa Cruz Mission School Inc.
- CARAGA: Agusan Del Sur State University
- CAR: University of the Cordilleras
- NCR: UP Asian Institute of Tourism
- NIR: Siquijor State College
The initiative aims to boost local economies. It encourages students to think about sustainable tourism. By using digital tools, these students solve real-world problems in the travel industry.
Secretary Angara-Mathay emphasized the importance of these youth-led projects. She believes these ideas will shape the future of Philippine travel.
The DOT expects these projects to be fully operational within the year. The government hopes this competition will spark a new wave of entrepreneurship among Filipino students. The TSC will continue to accept entries for next year’s cycle to sustain this momentum.
