Senators push for higher DOT budget amid concerns

Some senators in the Philippines are pushing for a higher budget allocation for the Department of Tourism (DOT) to enhance promotion efforts for foreign markets.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco revealed that despite a 3% decrease from its 2025 budget, the DOT is seeking P3.7 billion for 2026 with nearly five times more funding—P500 million—for branding and promotions compared to this year’s P100 million.

Senate tourism committee chairman Sen. JV Ejercito and member Sen. Rodante Marcoleta expressed concern over the reduced funding, noting it could hinder competition with neighboring ASEAN countries.

Frasco highlighted that Congress slashed the DOT's promotion budget by around 80% in the last two years but noted that despite this decline, visitor receipts have sustained and even surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

The Tourism Secretary also emphasized the importance of robust funding to compete with Southeast Asian neighbors who invest heavily in tourism marketing and promotion.