Local holidays

by Senator Francis Tolentino

‘TOL VIEWS

Senator Francis Tolentino

Many studies have actually proven that travel, leisure and recreation is a vital human activity that is not only beneficial to human health and wellness but is likewise essential to establishing a vibrant and sustainable economy.  The restrictions on people’s mobility during the pandemic, keeping them locked down inside their homes, impinged greatly on the people’s physical and mental health. Vaccines and boosters have indeed done well to increase physical immunity.  Leisure and travel, on the other hand, are viewed as antidotes to the mental impacts resulting from the Covid-19 virus.

Local holidays open opportunities for people to travel, relax, and enjoy time with family, friends and loved ones.  These occasional breaks from the usual daily work schedule of people are often happily anticipated for the respite they bring, no matter how short or temporary these breathers may be.  Vacation and travel create a chain reaction which impact domestic tourism and local economy.  Last year, revenues derived from tourism were at ₱208.96 billion. Similarly, tourism-related jobs were recorded approximately at 5.23 million in 2022.  With Covid-19 now endemic, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is positive that all tourism related statistics – from arrivals to expenditures – will exceed even pre-pandemic heights in 2023. 

People travel for many reasons, but the most common remains to be for leisure and relaxation, and these travels often happen on long-weekends resulting from local holidays.  People spend a great deal of time, energy and money just to ensure that travel opportunities tagged along by either our regular or special non-working holidays are maximized.  Holiday tourism has indeed given local tourism and local economy its much needed boost.  Tourism remains a vital economic engine for the country.  Hence, in order to ensure a sustained recovery in the aftermath of Covid-19, the Philippine tourism industry shall have to remain a primary focus in the national blueprint for economic sustainability.