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.
09 trillion to the Philippine economy in 2023, accounting for 8.6% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Zubiri, however, believes that this contribution could more than double with the right focus and resources.
He pointed out the need for more direct flights from Europe to the Philippines to boost tourism, noting that neighboring countries are attracting tourists in greater numbers. Reflecting on his recent experience in Siargao, Zubiri called for the development of a comprehensive tourism master plan that would address infrastructure issues not only on the island but across the country’s most cherished tourist spots. With the successful establishment of the education cluster as a precedent, Zubiri urged the President’s economic team to recommend the creation of a Cabinet cluster focused on tourism to President Marcos Jr.
“I’m informing the finance team because this requires a whole-of-government approach,” Zubiri said. “We all need to support the DOT through this kind of convergence. Perhaps you could encourage the President to consider this initiative.
” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto expressed his agreement with Zubiri’s proposal, describing the tourism industry as a “low-hanging fruit” that, with proper investment, could easily double its contribution to the country’s GDP..
