The Department of Tourism (DOT) has allocated around P17.5 billion to tourism education and training nationwide, the fund came from travel tax collections from 2015 to 2024.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the fund will expand investments in tourism education, including human capital development, training, and entrepreneurship programs aligned with the travel and hospitality sectors.

The fund was turned over by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and Frasco said it will support infrastructure, learning, and capacity-building programs under the Tourism Act of 2009.

"This reaffirms our sustained safety efforts in top destinations frequented by local and foreign visitors," said Frasco.

The turnover was formalized during the ceremonial signing of a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and TIEZA at the National Museum on Mar. 24.

Frasco assured that there will be transparency and accountability in the use of the fund to uplift industry standards and workforce development.

Meanwhile, Frasco said the incident in Boracay where a female foreigner was found dead was an isolated incident. She also emphasized the fast police action that led to the arrest of at least one suspect.

"The DOT continues to coordinate with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of tourists in Boracay and other key destinations such as Palawan, Cebu, Siargao, and Bohol," said Frasco.

And despite a travel advisory recently issued by the Australian government, Frasco emphasized that tourist sites across the country remain safe and vibrant, citing a 22 percent month-on-month increase in Australian arrivals.

She encouraged continued collaboration with international partners to promote accurate information and support efforts to provide safe, accessible, and high-quality tourism experiences in the Philippines.