The Department of Tourism (DOT) has secured Senate support for its proposed P3.718-billion budget for 2026.
In a news release on Monday, the DOT said the lawmakers approved the agency’s allocation in just over an hour during plenary deliberations on Nov. 21.
The bulk of the budget — P3.19 billion — is earmarked for the Office of the Secretary.
Meanwhile, its attached agencies will receive the following: P159 million for the Intramuros Administration, P320 million for the National Parks Development Committee, and P44.9 million for the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito and Sen. Erwin Tulfo, who both interpellated during the session, expressed full support for the agency and highlighted tourism’s vital role in stimulating economic growth amid ongoing challenges.
Sen. Loren Legarda, who sponsored the budget, underscored that the DOT continues to deliver strong results despite limited funding.
She cited the sector’s robust performance in 2024, which included P699.98 billion in inbound tourism spending, P3.159 trillion in domestic tourism expenditure, and a total internal tourism expenditure of P3.859 trillion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Tourism also generated 6.75 million jobs, representing 13.8 percent of national employment.
Branding, marketing budget restored to P1B
A key outcome of the deliberations was the Senate’s move to significantly boost the DOT’s marketing and branding budget.
After years of cuts (from P1 billion to P200 million and then P100 million in 2025), the amount was raised to P500 million under the 2026 NEP, with senators adding another P500 million, restoring the allocation to P1 billion.
Ejercito said the increase is essential to help the Philippines counter negative international news and improve global visibility.
Legarda also emphasized that the Philippines continues to lag behind its ASEAN neighbors in tourism promotion spending.
The country’s current marketing budget stands at $52 million, far below Thailand’s $168 million, Indonesia’s $234 million, and Malaysia’s $263 million, despite the Philippines generating the highest yield per tourist in the region.
DOT PHOTO