BBM orders DOT to boost tourism jobs

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Tourism (DOT) to create more tourism-related jobs, in response to rising numbers of local and foreign visitors.

At a post-SONA forum, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said tourists spent an estimated P3.86 trillion last year, prompting the President to call for more employment opportunities in the sector.

“Kaya naman po, direktiba ng ating Presidente na mas dagdagan pa natin ‘yung opportunities for tourism employment,” she said.

Frasco thanked Marcos for highlighting tourism’s role in the economy, noting it directly employs 6.75 million Filipinos, with nearly 10 million more in related jobs. In 2024, tourism contributed 8.9% to the country’s GDP.

To support this growth, DOT continues to train workers through partnerships with agencies like TESDA. Over 322,000 individuals have already completed training under the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence program.IMT