DOT: Barangays crucial in tourism

CEBU, Philippines — Barangay leaders play a crucial role in the development of Philippine tourism. This according to Cebuana Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco during the 2024 National Congress of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas (LMBP) at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Frasco, a former mayor of the municipality of Liloan, Cebu, said they recognize the vital contributions of barangay officials to national progress.

“I know that without the service of our barangay officials, it is extremely difficult for either a national official or a local official to implement any government programs. You are at the front lines of serving our communities. You are responsible for effecting positive change at the soonest possible time, for you are the ones that are in the grassroots,” Frasco said.

Frasco added that her work at the DOT has been guided by a local perspective, ensuring that the Marcos administration’s programs are responsive to the needs of communities across the Philippines.

“In my work as Secretary of the Department of Tourism, dinala ko po yung local na perspective sa national government kung saan pinakikinggan natin ‘yong pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan sa ating mga komunidad sa lahat ng sulok sa Pilipinas dahil nakita natin na sa pamamagitan ng turismo ay matutulungan natin na magkaroon ng mas mataas na kalidad ng buhay ang ating mga kababayan. And these efforts have born fruit. In applying local perspective to national governments, we have sought to ensure that the programs of the Marcos administration are responsive, not only to the trends in tourism post-pandemic but also to the necessities of our tourism destinations,” Frasco said.

Frasco also said that tourism has the power to drive grassroots development by promoting economic growth, and the only way for Philippine tourism to thrive is to introduce basic development first and foremost.

DOT highlighted some of the key initiatives it has being doing to empower communities and promote grassroots development like the Philippine Experience Program, which showcases lesser-known destinations, and the Tourism Champions Challenge which supports innovative infrastructure projects at the local level.

Flagship projects such as the Tourist Rest Areas and the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program also aim to enhance the overall tourist experience and boosting local economies.

Frasco said she looks forward to more collaboration at all levels of government to maximize tourism’s potential as a driver of inclusive growth starting from the barangays.

“Let us continue to work together to harness the power of tourism as a catalyst for growth and to ensure that tourism benefits all Filipinos. Dahil sa turismo may asenso, sa turismo may trabaho, at sa turismo palaging may pag-asa ang ating mga kababayang Pilipino,” Frasco said.

The national congress, which had the theme “Powering Up in Service for Others” brought together some 4,700 barangay leaders from across the nation to strategize on community development, with the aim of addressing gender-based violence and promote the welfare of women and children. —  (FREEMAN)