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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Frasco: PH tourism emerges as resilient high-tech engine for 16.4-M workers

Frasco: PH tourism emerges as resilient high-tech engine for 16.4-M workers

Published Jan 29, 2026 11:44 am

At A Glance

  • PH tourism emerges as a resilient, people-centered industry supporting 16.4 million workers.
  • Over 444,000 Filipinos trained since 2022, including 144,000 in specialized skills.
  • Government provides emergency aid to tourism workers during disasters.
  • 12 new international flights added to Cebu in 2025 under ASEAN cooperation.
  • Digitalization and strategic partnerships enhance promotion, efficiency, and financial inclusion.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco speaks at the ASEAN Tourism Conference on Jan. 29, 2026, highlighting the Philippines’ resilient and high-tech tourism sector that supports 16.4 million workers. (Trixee Rosel/Manila Bulletin)
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco speaks at the ASEAN Tourism Conference on Jan. 29, 2026, highlighting the Philippines’ resilient and high-tech tourism sector that supports 16.4 million workers. (Trixee Rosel/Manila Bulletin)
The Philippines is turning tourism into a resilient, people-centered industry that empowers 16.4 million workers and fuels sustainable growth, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said on Thursday, Jan. 29.
Frasco said the sector is turning challenges into opportunities by combining skills training, emergency support, and digital innovation.
She noted that more than 444,000 Filipinos have been trained since 2022, including 144,000 in specialized skills such as tour guiding, gastronomy, dive boat operations, and retail.
Citing recent floods, earthquakes, and super typhoons in Cebu, Frasco highlighted the urgent need for a resilient tourism sector.
She stressed the government’s collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide emergency cash and family food packs to affected tourism workers, ensuring income continuity during crises.
Frasco also underscored the importance of seamless access, pointing to visa-free entry for India, China, and Taiwan, as well as the new digital nomad visa.
She added that ASEAN transport cooperation has already brought 12 new international flights to Cebu in 2025 from Vietnam and Malaysia.
Digitalization remains at the core of the sector’s transformation, Frasco said, with partnerships with Plug, Visa, Mastercard, and soon Agoda enhancing promotion and operational efficiency.
These initiatives also strengthen financial inclusion for tourism stakeholders, support national ecotourism strategies, and diversify tourism offerings across the country.

Related Tags

PH tourism Frasco tourism workforce resilience skills training
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