Lawmakers tell DOT to be more aggressive

Lawmakers have called on the Department of Tourism (DOT) to be more aggressive in attracting more tourists and generate revenues for the government.

At the House Committee on Appropriations’ deliberation on the DOT proposed R3.082-billion budget for 2019, Surigao Del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said the DOT should step up efforts to promote tourism.

“We have to exert more effort in promoting our country to entice more tourists to come to the Philippines. I believe that our country is more beautiful. I have been to South East Asian countries, and I believe we have more to offer than them,” he said.

Nueva Ecija Rep. Estrellita Suansing said there is a need for the DOT to work closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in determining the priority projects for the development and improvement of tourism roads.

She said far-flung tourist destinations should be made more accessible to the public by building good roads.

During the hearing, Tourism Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. disclosed that the DPWH earmarked P18.6 billion for the development and completion of tourism roads for 2019.

“Of the amount, R15 billion shall be utilized for ongoing road constructions, while P3 billion shall be for new proposals,” he said.

He said the DOT initially projected R38 billion to R39 billion funding for its Tourism Infrastructure Program. The amount will be used to ensure the continuity of their projects and meet their target of covering most of the country in terms of roads leading to tourist destinations by 2022.