Friday, August 16, 2024 Former Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri is championing the formation of a dedicated Cabinet cluster aimed at tackling the various challenges facing the Philippine tourism industry, with a particular focus on the country’s “crown jewels” such as Siargao, Palawan, and other key tourist destinations. During a recent budget hearing with the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), Zubiri proposed the creation of this tourism-focused Cabinet cluster, drawing inspiration from President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s approval of an education cluster, a concept initiated by Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
Zubiri emphasized the urgent need to address issues plaguing the nation’s top tourist spots, particularly citing Siargao, which he noted has been experiencing significant energy supply problems. During a visit to the island just weeks ago, Zubiri witnessed firsthand the prolonged power outages affecting the area. “Why not establish a tourism cluster similar to the education cluster initiated by Secretary Angara?” Zubiri suggested.
“We could have the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Department of Energy (DOE) work together to support major tourist destinations like Palawan, El Nido, Coron, and Siargao.” In response to Zubiri’s query, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan shared that the tourism sector contributed PHP 2.
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