Marcos wants restoration of DOT’s P400-M branding budget

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. tasked the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to reinstate the P400 million budget for the branding of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

"Restore the P400 million branding budget of DOT to sustain the momentum," Marcos said during a meeting with DOT Secretary Christina Frasco at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, the funds will be sourced from Marcos’ contingency fund.

Marcos said the Philippines is off to a strong start in boosting its international image as he cited recent accomplishments by Filipino talents, including double Olympic gold medalist gymnast Carlos Yulo and The Voice US champion Sofronio Vasquez.

Marcos noted that the Philippines could not afford to lose the momentum.

"We have to maintain the momentum. There is already momentum. It doesn’t hurt that we have people like Sofronio winning The Voice  and that we had Caloy Yulo winning the Olympics," Marcos said. 

"All of these things that our people are doing that is great for the Philippines. And then we’re still living off the wonderful performance of Filipino health workers during Covid. Hindi na makakalimutan ‘yon (It won't be forgotten)," he added.

For her part, Frasco echoed Marcos' sentiments and expressed full support for the administration's initiatives to promote the nation’s tourism sector,

She said the insufficient funding for the DOT would lead to “reduced engagement with target audiences, fewer trade and consumer activation opportunities, and the absence of global media placements, among other setbacks.”

Frasco said the country gained P760 billion in international visitor receipts from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

She added that foreign tourists in the Philippines stayed longer at an average of 11 nights in 2024 as compared to nine in 2019.—AOL, GMA Integrated News