Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat deemed it reassuring to hear President Rodrigo Duterte urging full support of tourism during his 5th State of the Nation Address on Monday.

In his speech, Duterte enjoined Filipinos to help boost the economy by travelling locally once the necessary protocols are in place.

“In the same manner, the tourism and recreation industries, which are among the hardest hit by the pandemic, count on our full support. While we slowly try to put the fun back in our local travels, the national government agencies and LGUs must harmonize their policies to boost tourism ensuring everyone’s well-being,” he said.

Puyat, who was among Cabinet Secretaries invited to attend the SONA said, “This is a very encouraging development knowing that the DOT has the President’s full support as we further our plans to spur the recovery of the industry through the promotion of local travel."

With no revenue coming in amid massive border restrictions, Puyat has been reiterating the need to boost domestic tourism.

Recent government statistics revealed Philippine tourism has grown to become a significant contributor to the economy, contributing a 12.7 percent share in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019, with 10.8 percent coming from domestic tourism.

“What is music to our ears is the promise that the tourism industry can count on the support of not just the DOT, but also the government as a whole ‘to put back the fun in our local travels,’ to borrow the President’s words,” Puyat added.

The tourism chief, who has initiated exploratory talks with various local government units to facilitate the safe and gradual reopening of domestic tourism destinations, also commits to follow the directive of the President in his SONA to "see concerted efforts in protecting the environment" sustained throughout his term, citing the successful rehabilitation of Boracay as an example.

"In reopening domestic tourism, the DOT shall continue to engage the national government agencies, LGUs, and stakeholders to ensure the safety of visitors and communities, and more importantly, in heeding the President's call to keep tourism destinations and sites sustainable in the process," she said.

Puyat has been hosting consultative meetings and dialogues with local tourism stakeholders from some of the country’s premier destinations, such as Boracay and Palawan. She is slated to visit Bohol and Baguio next.

The tourism secretary also welcomed the House’s support for the recovery of the industry.

In his speech during the opening of the 18th Congress' second regular session, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano raised the “need to build and retool” industries that have been affected by the pandemic, including tourism.

“The support of the House, other government agencies and tourism stakeholders will be crucial in the implementation of the Tourism Response and Recovery Plan, which will provide timely and substantial measures for the recovery of the industry,” Puyat said.