by Jun Marcos Tadios, Manila Bulletin
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco was elated by the proposal of lawmakers to extend an additional budget for the Department of Tourism (DOT) for the Fiscal Year 2023.
Frasco unveiled new projects and convergence programs of the DOT on Wednesday, Aug. 31, during the briefing with the House Committee on Appropriations on the proposed 2023 budget.
The secretary rallied for the favorable decision of the House of Representatives on the P3.573 billion proposed budget for next year in able to attain the DOT’s plans and programs.
The attached agency under the DOT was the Intramuros Administration (IA), National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), and the Philippine Commission on Sports SCUBA Diving – PCSSD.
“The plans (for 2023) will include the establishment of tourist service rest areas and information counters across the country; the development of a Tourist lifecycle app for tourists; a Tourist Assistance Call Center, and the launching of a guest incentive system, among others,” said Frasco.
Several lawmakers, however, noted the necessity of increasing the DOT’s proposed budget, underscoring the tourism industry’s significant contribution to the Philippine economy.
Frasco thanked the members of the House Committee on Appropriations that shows support for the proposed budget of DOT including Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino Libanan; Albay 1st District Congressman Edcel Lagman; Rep. Jefferson Khonghun from the 1st District of Zambales; and Congressman Wilter Palma from the 1st District of Zamboanga Sibugay.
“While I could have just stayed in my beloved town of Liloan, I accepted the tourism portfolio with high hopes because the President has identified the tourism industry as one of the top priorities of his administration,” Frasco uttered.
To fulfill the visions and programs of the present administration, Frasco uttered that they should have a commanding budget needed to fulfill all the visions and programs of the President.
