Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and newly appointed Transportation Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon reaffirmed collaboration between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to enhance connectivity and infrastructure, aiming to drive tourism growth.
During a meeting at the DOT Central Office in Makati City on March 4, Secretary Frasco welcomed and congratulated Secretary Dizon, highlighting the fresh momentum he brings to the DOTr. She also acknowledged his contributions as the country’s Testing Czar during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly his support for tourism frontliners.
The discussion focused on key areas of cooperation, including the existing Memorandum of Agreement between the DOT and DOTr to upgrade airports and seaports nationwide. DOT’s training of over 11,600 airport personnel under the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program and the decongestion of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) through regional flight distribution were also prioritized.
Secretary Dizon expressed full support for the integration of Filipino design elements and service standards in airport facilities, a concept previously piloted at NAIA Terminal 2.
“These little touches make a huge difference. It gives the airport, really, a sense of place. When you arrive, it’s the Philippines. It cannot be anywhere else in the world,” he noted.
Secretary Frasco cited a 2023 Cirium Flightdeck report ranking the Philippines sixth in incoming air seats relative to arrivals among ASEAN nations. She emphasized the need for more flight routes, additional slots for international carriers, and fleet expansion among domestic airlines.
“There’s a wonderful opportunity, especially in the European market, specifically for flights to be mounted from the United Kingdom and Spain. These segments have experienced high international arrival growth, so the demand is there,” Frasco said. She also pointed to Italy, India, and Australia as key tourism source markets.
Discussions also covered planned airport enhancements, including improved facilities, better lighting, and additional signage. The DOT proposed expanding its Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours to airport transit tours and establishing Medical Concierges to promote medical tourism.
The joint promotion of the Love the Philippines campaign at transportation gateways was also tackled, with Secretary Dizon committing DOTr’s full support.
“You can count on our support. It will make such a difference for the country,” he said.
Key DOT and DOTr officials attended the meeting, including DOT Undersecretary and Chief-of-Staff Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Undersecretaries Shereen Gail Yu-Pamintuan, Ferdinand Jumapao, and Rica Bueno, alongside DOTr Chief of Staff Allan Yap and incoming Director Zhane Liwanag.