By Betheena Unite  Filipino researchers were urged by the Department of Tourism to submit research proposals that will further promote a culture of tourism in the country. The study, once approved by the department, will receive financial assistance under the 2019 Tourism Research Grant. The grant is available to all Filipino graduate and postgraduate students, faculty members, and tourism practitioners currently enrolled or affiliated with any academic institution or tourism organization, the tourism department said. Institutions, societies, universities, non-government organizations and civil society groups, however, are not eligible to apply. Officials and staff of the department, including its attached agencies, are not eligible to apply for the research grant. The new program, which was conceptualized by the Office of Tourism Development Planning, Research and Information Management, seeks to develop a Philippine journal of tourism research studies and other related topics. Research proposals, the department noted, must be aligned with Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat’s policy direction for the current year in order to establish a culture of sustainable tourism. According to the department, the study must be in line with the efficiency of social media as a communication channel for sustainable tourism marketing and promotions; investments in green technologies by tourism-oriented establishments; ensuring the safety and security of tourists through mandatory accreditation of accommodation establishments. It must also consider the impact of travel advisories to the safety and security image of the Philippines as a tourist destination; the impact of removing visa restrictions to the Chinese and Indian source markets; assessing the educational and dive products and markets, and impact of the ASEAN MRA on the Philippine accommodation labor market. Submission of applications and proposals will be until May 31. Requirements include a duly-accomplished application form, a research proposal with abstract and proof of enrollment, employment, or affiliation with their corresponding organizations or institution and must be sent to the Philippine Department of Tourism through [email protected].