DOT Chief Backs Sustainable Tourism at 2025 Forum

MAKATI — Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco reaffirmed the Department of Tourism’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism during the Philippine Sustainability Now Forum 2025 on April 23 at Dusit Thani Hotel Manila.

The forum, organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, gathered leaders from business, government and civil society to promote environmentally conscious strategies and long-term development.

“Today, we gather in the spirit of shared responsibility and bold ambition to build a future that is not only prosperous but also resilient, inclusive and deeply rooted in sustainability,” Frasco said in her keynote address.

She described the forum as a call to action and thanked the Italian Chamber, diplomatic corps, business leaders and development partners for their support.

“Sustainability should not be a mere preference. It should be a mandate,” she added, emphasizing that the National Tourism Development Plan under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration centers on sustainable tourism.

Frasco presented the agency’s tourism agenda focused on infrastructure, connectivity, product diversification and heritage-driven promotion.

She highlighted government investments in airports, tourism roads and flood-resilience projects in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

To improve travel experiences and comfort, Frasco announced the expansion of Tourist Rest Areas nationwide, which are now equipped with solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.

From 10 sites launched in 2023, the program is on track to reach 100 across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Frasco also discussed the Tourism Champions Challenge, which awarded more than PHP250 million in grants to 15 local governments for sustainable infrastructure projects.

These include “Panay: A Coastal Resource Experience,” a mangrove-based ecotourism site in Capiz, and “Legacy of the Sea,” a conservation effort in Bolinao, Pangasinan.

The program is set to launch its second cycle with increased funding.

She cited the Philippine Experience Program, now active in 12 regions, which promotes regional culture and creative industries through tourism circuits developed with local governments and communities.

The initiative spotlights festivals, traditions and local products.

As chair of the National Ecotourism Council, the DOT recently launched the National Ecotourism Strategy and Action Plan 2024–2028, reinforcing the Philippines’ aim to be a global leader in ecotourism.

The strategy focuses on conservation, stewardship and climate resilience.

Frasco said the DOT is pushing for institutional reforms, including updated National Accommodation Standards, sustainability training with the Asian Institute of Management, and green infrastructure such as bike-friendly roads and ecotourism circuits.

She also showcased the solar-powered, locally woven Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, which will be repatriated for reuse as a symbol of sustainable values.

“We must graduate from simply counting arrivals to measuring tourism’s true value—what it contributes to local communities and community-based tourism organizations,” she said.

“It cannot be just about quantity—it must be about quality.”

Among those present at the forum were Italian Ambassador Davide Giglio; former Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor, now president of the International School of Sustainable Tourism; Atty. Javey Francisco of the Securities and Exchange Commission; Roel Refran of the Philippine Stock Exchange; Alfredo Pascual of Banco de Oro; Michael Toledo of Metro Pacific Investment Corp.; architect Romolo Nati of Italpinas Development Corp.; Miles Ballestar of iONTEK Power Solutions; Illac Diaz of Liter of Light; and Italian Chamber officers led by President Sergio Boero and Executive Director Lorens Ziller.