During a budget hearing led by the Senate Committee on Finance Subcommittee “G” on October 15, Senator Loren Legarda advocated for increasing the budget for tourism infrastructure for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The proposed budget of Php 3.394 billion for the Department of Tourism (DOT) was the focus of the session, where Senator Legarda, as the committee chairperson, highlighted the importance of boosting infrastructure to improve access to key tourist destinations.
She suggested potential amendments to the DOT’s budget, particularly to fund the construction of roads and bridges that would enhance accessibility. Drawing comparisons to other government initiatives, such as the Department of Agriculture's farm-to-market roads and the Department of Education's school building program, Legarda emphasized the economic benefits that tourism infrastructure could bring, including job creation. She also expressed her willingness to advocate for the amendment if supported by the Department of Budget and Management.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed gratitude for the Senator's support, reiterating the DOT's long-standing commitment to improving infrastructure under the Marcos administration. Frasco stressed that accessibility to tourist spots is essential for their development and the employment of local communities, calling for funding for new roads and key access points.
Photo courtesy of The Department of Tourism - Philippines
Senator Legarda also praised the DOT's community-based projects, including the Philippine Experience Program and the Tourism Industry Skills Program, and encouraged collaboration with cultural and heritage bodies to strengthen these initiatives. Further, she inquired about the DOT's needs for international events, the development of Tourist Rest Areas, the expansion of Tourism Enterprise Zones, and various other projects under DOT's attached agencies.
As the session concluded, Senator Legarda reminded DOT and its agencies to submit additional documentation, with the DOT's FY 2025 budget set for further deliberation on November 14, 2024.
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