MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – are working hand-in-hand to boost tourism and spur socio-economic activities in the countryside. Under a memorandum of agreement, the DOT will identify road projects, especially those that bring tourists from their hotels to tourist destinations, while DPWH will build them. The timetable for the project is between 2013 up to 2016. Priority will be given to infrastructures in the 21 tourism development areas identified in the National Tourism Development Plan 2011-2016.

The DOT-DPWH tie-up is a step in the total effort to achieve the target of 6.6 million international tourists and 34.8 million domestic travelers by 2016. This year, the target is 3.7 million foreign visitors. A total of 6.5 million new jobs are expected to be generated by the campaign.

Several agencies are collaborating with the DoT in the campaign, now highlighted by the slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.” The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is setting up tourist police units in strategic areas to ensure the safety and protection of tourists. The Department of Health (DOH) is supporting the upgrading of facilities and services to attract more foreigners to the medical tourism program.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is tapping its embassies and consulates all over the world to help invite more tourists to visit the Philippines, through more efficient processing of requirements. Local government units will help make communities safe and secure and more welcoming to visitors.

The tourism industry remains a key driver of the economy. The government’s stepped-up campaign will provide the drive to enable the industry to achieve its goals. MABUHAY!