Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco delivered a powerful keynote address at the inaugural State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Tourism Deans Summit, hosted by the University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism (UP-AIT) on Thursday, May 8, marking the institute’s 50th founding anniversary.
Addressing over 40 deans and academic leaders from across the Philippines, Secretary Frasco emphasized the pivotal role of education in shaping the future of Philippine tourism. She hailed the summit as a historic moment for reflection and collaborative action.
“I have such deep respect for all of you here today. As leaders, educators, and academic leaders, your role in tourism is not behind the scenes. It is at the foundation. Because long before a traveler boards a plane or sets foot in any of our destinations, you have already shaped the very people who will welcome them, guide them, and represent our country forward,” Secretary Frasco stated.
Secretary Frasco highlighted the significant achievements of the Marcos Administration in the tourism sector, including generating Php 760 billion in tourism revenue, creating 16.4 million tourism-related jobs, and securing the Philippines’ position as the number one domestic tourism destination in Southeast Asia. She attributed these successes to a whole-of-government approach, guided by the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028’s pillars of connectivity, convenience, and equality.
The Tourism Secretary also outlined the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) commitment to enhancing tourism education and capacity-building. Key initiatives include the DOT–Commission on Higher Education–Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (DOT–CHED–TIEZA) administrative order, which ensures proper allocation of travel taxes for tourism programs, and the establishment of the United Nations (UN) Tourism Academy in Cebu. Other programs include scholarships through TESDA, English as a Second Language (ESL), and voluntourism programs, and the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence.
“Let this summit be the start of an even stronger alliance between the government and the academic community, and together, we can build a tourism industry that honors our heritage and reflects the true character and strength of the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco concluded.
The event was graced by UP President Angelo Jimenez, Vice President for Academic Affairs Leo Julian, Dean of the UP-AIT Giovanni Francis Legazpi, Institute Secretary Dr. Rael Cruz, and Director for Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Criselda Badilla, among other university officials.
The three-day summit, running from May 7-9, features various sessions with DOT Undersecretaries Verna Buensuceso and Maria Rica Bueno as resource speakers.
