MANILA, Philippines — Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Tuesday said the Department of Tourism is seeking to establish Tourist Emergency Centers nationwide in 2024.“Next year, we proposed to build Tourist Emergency Centers in our densely populated key tourism destinations in the country. The cost of this would be anywhere from around P8 to 10 million,” said Frasco during the Senate committee on finance’s hearing on the proposed P2.9 billion budget of DOT.
“That is definitely very high on our wish list. Apart from our continued construction of tourist rest areas,” Frasco added.
Apart from building Tourist Emergency Centers, Frasco said they also find the “necessity of sustainability” in the country’s tourism destinations.
Hence, they are also pushing for the institutionalization of proper waste management and sewage management, especially in coastal areas.
In the same hearing, Frasco urged the Senate committee on finance to “reevaluate” the department’s allocation for next year, noting that P2.9 billion is not enough.
“The allocation is notably 82 percent lower than the DOT’s initial proposal. The DOT, therefore, appeals for a reevaluation of the budget, as well as the necessary resources in order to effectively fulfill its mandate, especially since we all know how crucial the tourism sector is to our economy that employs millions of Filipinos,” said Frasco.
The DOT was given the allocation of P3.7 billion under the 2023 General Appropriations Act.