P17.7B allotted for tourism infra

THE Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) has accumulated over P17 billion in funds that can be used for vital projects, budget authorities said on Thursday.

In a statement, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the government had allotted additional funds for TRIP compared to the P17.087 billion programmed under the previous year’s General Appropriations Act.

“The funds will be used for the construction, reconstruction, upgrading and improvement of roads and bridges connecting to declared tourist destinations,” the budget sector said in a statement.

TRIP is a convergence initiative of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Tourism (DoT).

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the infrastructure projects would further boost the country’s growth.

“Mobility and connectivity are vital components in tourism development. The Philippines has so many majestic places. But how will we attract tourists if there is no transport infrastructure in place to get them to these destinations with ease?” Pangandaman said.

The budgetary allocation is in line with the DoT’s National Tourism Development Plan, which envisions a globally competitive tourism industry that fosters inclusive growth by creating jobs and distributing revenue equitably.

Under the 2023 GAA, the P17.689-billion budget will be distributed to tourism infrastructure projects in the Ilocos, Cordillera , Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon regions.

Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, the Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen and Caraga are also included.