The Department of Tourism is seeking better incentives for green tourism projects to ensure the sustainability of tourism destinations, as Secretary Christina Frasco underscored the importance of incentivizing sustainable tourism policy implementation.
This will involve the introduction of incentives for the private sector that would implement green policies “that give value to the preservation of the environment, as well as the introduction of measures that promote environmental protection and energy efficiency,” a DOT statement said on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte expressed optimism that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s focus on agriculture, health, and tourism will result in the launching of projects that will spark economic growth.
He said revving up these sectors would stimulate high growth, create jobs, and raise incomes, especially in the countryside, “where a majority of our people remain poor and have been hit hard by the over two-year pandemic.”
Frasco said during the first post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) briefing by Cabinet secretaries: “It’s also important to continue to harness the relationship with the private sector, especially in the grassroots.”
This involves “the adoption of sustainable development not only as a policy and theoretical notion but rather as a way of life so that eventually, sustainable tourism is not only a matter of government regulation but rather of self-regulation, in that the community takes an active part in the implementation of all of these policies,” she added.
Zoning and land use regulations should be institutionalized to ensure that tourism destinations last for the long term, and expands rather than deprives the community of economic opportunities, Frasco said.
She also noted the President has laid out the importance of enhancing the Filipino brand, “to inculcate among the Filipino people and encourage among them the pride of place, that they may take ownership of taking care of their communities and projecting to the world the unique Filipino brand.”
This is anchored “not only on the beauty of our natural resources but also most importantly, on our rich cultural heritage.”
The DOT earlier announced the priorities of the Department, echoing the President’s directives such as the improvement of tourism infrastructure and accessibility; enhancement of overall tourist experience through connectivity, convenience, equality of promotion, and development of tourist destinations across the country; and
uplifting the quality of products and services to reflect a distinct Filipino brand.
“The President’s pronouncements will bring much-needed hope to all of the tourism stakeholders that have suffered gravely because of the pandemic and various calamities,” Frasco said.
“I’m very happy to note that the President’s vision is very clear as far as setting a strong foundation for the tourism industry by strengthening tourism infrastructure and gateway access, as well as giving equal opportunities to tourist destinations across the country,” she added.
To fulfill the President’s directives for the industry, Frasco vowed to continue the multi-dimensional and shared tourism governance approach in implementing the DOT’s plans and programs, sharing the importance of involving stakeholders at the local level–in coming up with effective strategies to address industry barriers.
Meanwhile, Villafuerte said: “Putting farm modernization plus productivity, public healthcare and tourism infrastructure, among others, on front and center of the Marcos administration over the medium term will let President BBM achieve his SONA-announced target to raise economic growth to 6.5 percent to 8 percent from 2023 to 2028, and his ‘Bayan Bangon Muli’ presidential campaign promise to uplift the lives of all Filipinos.”
“Let us give a big hand to the President for being spot on in his first ever SONA in giving paramount attention to agriculture, health, and tourism,” he said.