Substantial increase in employment within the tourism sector is one of the remarkable achievements of the Department of Tourism in Eastern Visayas (DOT-8), under the leadership of Regional Director Karina Rosa S. Tiopes.
This was during the "Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas" on Tuesday, July 9, with Assistant Regional Director Boris P. Pascubillo and Chief Tourism Operations Officer Ma. Catherina M. Apostol.
Tiopes reported that the DOT-8 successfully facilitated the employment of a staggering 6.21 million Filipinos in tourism-related jobs, showcasing a notable 6.4 percent growth in tourism employment at a national scale.
Pivotal Role
Underscoring the department's ongoing programs and impactful projects in the region, Director Tiopes emphasized the pivotal role of tourism as a dependable economic sector, providing not just jobs but also crucial livelihood support across different regions of the Philippines.
The employment of 6.21 million Filipinos in tourism jobs signifies not only a significant milestone for the Department of Tourism but also a crucial achievement for the country's economy.
In fact, EV Economy expanded by 6.4 percent in 2023—making it the sixth fastest-growing regional economy in the country according to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).
Spark Samar
Service and industry sector plays a big part in the said boost. Both of which are closely related to the impact on tourism in the area.
“We expect services to further drive growth due to the strong rebound of our tourism sector, which will spur job creation, increase household incomes, and benefit tourism-adjacent industries,” NEDA said in a statement.
“The launch of Samar’s newest tourism offerings under the “Spark Samar” campaign, comprising the Tandaya Trail Tourism Circuit, Mabaysay Cultural River Cruise, and Secret Kitchens of Samar Gastronomy Tour will contribute to this end.
Additionally, initiatives to expand the region’s cruise destinations and negotiations to encourage cruise lines to include Eastern Visayas in their itineraries are underway.”
Sustainable Tourism
Other key projects in the pipeline are land transport flagship projects, such as the 15-km Samar Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) Project Phase II, the Second San Juanico Bridge Project, the Sorsogon-Samar permanent link bridge, the Eastern Visayas Transshipment Hub, and the Eastern Visayas Metro Rail System.
With tourism being a key driver of economic growth, the substantial increase in employment within this sector highlights its vital role in job creation and livelihood enhancement for Filipinos across various regions.
DOT's efforts in promoting sustainable tourism practices and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders have undoubtedly contributed to this positive trajectory in employment opportunities within the sector.
Livelihood Sustained
As Director Tiopes aptly mentioned during the interview, tourism remains a reliable economic sector that not only creates jobs but also sustains livelihoods, ultimately playing a crucial role in the overall development of the country.
The employment of million Filipinos in tourism jobs is a testament to the Department of Tourism's dedication to harnessing the potential of the tourism industry to drive economic growth and provide meaningful employment opportunities for millions of Filipinos.
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