The Philippines is stepping up its push to revive Chinese arrivals, welcoming Air China’s inaugural Chongqing–Manila (CKG–MNL) flight on May 2 as a key milestone in rebuilding one of its most vital tourism markets.
The Department of Tourism is tightening its playbook, shifting from volume to value as it targets markets and segments that can deliver higher spending and longer stays.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay on Wednesday announced a stronger government push to adapt to evolving travel patterns, unveiling plans to establish a Tourism Resilience Management Team as global uncertainties continue to reshape the industry.
AirAsia Philippines has sounded the alarm on mounting pressures confronting both the aviation industry and the broader tourism sector, warning of a “triple threat” that is squeezing margins and dampening demand.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay has called for a more coordinated push across the sector to sustain tourism’s role as a driver of inclusive economic growth, emphasizing its impact on livelihoods, enterprises, and communities nationwide.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has endorsed Resolution No. 03, Series of 2026, calling for the immediate implementation of the 5 percent coconut methyl ester (CME) biodiesel blend or B5. The proposal has been forwarded to the Senate and the Department of Energy (DOE).
The Philippines’ rise to 47th out of 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook marks a notable step forward, but sustaining the momentum will depend on deeper structural reforms, stronger institutions, and accelerated digitalization of government services, according to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).