The Department of Tourism is facing a P6.02-billion funding gap for 28 infrastructure projects after the Department of Public Works and Highways shifted responsibility for financing new and continuing tourism projects to the DOT, but the proposed funding was not included in the 2027 national budget.
Tourism Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin told the House Committee on Appropriations late Monday that the DOT included the 28 projects in its 2027 funding proposal after DPWH recommended charging the projects to the tourism agency’s budget.
“However, we all know that this was not approved for inclusion in the 2027 NEP, so this poses a very big problem for DOT,” Jasmin said.
The unfunded projects add pressure on the DOT as it seeks to improve access and connectivity to tourist destinations while also maintaining spending on destination marketing and promotion.
“Promotion continues despite the fact that the infrastructure remains a problem,” Jasmin said, underscoring the challenge of attracting visitors to destinations where roads, access, and other basic infrastructure remain inadequate.
Jasmin said infrastructure remains a major constraint on the tourism industry, with DOT regional offices coordinating with other government agencies on infrastructure requirements and the development of emerging or “hidden gem” destinations.
The funding shortfall highlights a persistent gap between tourism promotion and the infrastructure needed to support visitor growth.
The issue for the DOT is not simply about building tourism facilities. Better roads, access, and connectivity are needed to turn destinations promoted to travelers into destinations that can actually accommodate them.
