Department of Tourism

Profile and History

In 1952, through Republic Act No. 710, the Philippine Tourist and Travel Association (PTTA) were created to bring together all organizations and entities that cater to travel and tourism.

By 1956 through R.A. 1478, the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry (BTTI) were created under the Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI) to serve as the policy-making body for travel and tourism, while the PTTA became its implementing arm.

Presidential Decree No. 189 in 1973 gave birth to the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) as its implementing arm for infrastructure development. PD 189 also reconstituted and attached the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to the DOT. In 1976, the Philippine Convention Bureau (PCB) was created as DOT's marketing arm for conventions.

In 1986, the Aquino administration sought to put more cohesiveness into the functions of the DOT. Through Executive Order No. 120, the DOT was reorganized in 1987 as the primary government agency charged with the responsibility to encourage, promote and develop tourism as a major socio-economic activity in the country.

By virtue of this executive order, PTA remained as attached agency of the DOT. Subsequently, Executive Order No. 120-A reorganized the PCB to the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) as DOT's marketing arm. The CAB, though, was transferred to the Department of Transportation and Communication.

With the completion of the 20-year Philippine Tourism Master Plan (TMP) in 1991, the Ramos administration issued Proclamation No. 188, adopting the TMP as the government's blueprint for tourism development. The proclamation mobilizes all government agencies and the private sector to support and implement the TMP. It also allows the DOT to create committees and task forces that will ensure the implementation of the programs identified in the plan.

The Arroyo administration, anchored on economic sufficiency and political stability, adopted tourism as among its pillars for sustained economic growth by attracting more visitors, extending their length of stay, and increasing the attractiveness of the country's tourism products. Firmly committed to achieve this vision, the Arroyo administration elevated the Secretary of Tourism to a senior cabinet level.

Vision

Improve accessibility of travel destinations,
Make tourism products better and more affordable,
Promote a culture of tourism among local residents, and
Increase recognition of tourism as an effective and efficient tool towards socio-economic development of the Philippines.

Mission

To generate foreign currency and employment;
To spread the benefits of tourism to a wider segment of the population with the support, assistance and cooperation of both the private and public sector; and
To ensure the safe, convenient, enjoyable stay and travel of foreign and local visitors in the Philippines.

Mandate

The Department of Tourism's mandate was first embodied in Presidential Decree No. 189 which created the Department of Tourism in 1973. It was reorganized structurally and functionally with Executive Order No. 120 signed in January 30, 1987.

Additional Information

Mission

The Department of Tourism (DOT) shall be the primary government agency charged with the responsibility to encourage, promote, and develop tourism as a major socio-economic activity to generate foreign currency and employment and to spread the benefits of tourism to both the private and public sector.

History

1950s - Started as a private initiative, the Philippine Tourist & Travel Association was organized.
1956 - The Board of Travel & Tourist Industry was created by law.
1973 - The Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), and Philippine Convention Bureau (PCB) were created by the Philippine government.
1986 - Under Executive Order no. 120 and 120-A, DOT and PCB were reorganized structurally and functionally. PCB was renamed Philippine Convention & Visitors Corporation.

Functions
Office of the Secretary

The Office of the Secretary provides leadership, direction, and substance to the overall operations of the Department. It formulates policies, plans, programs, rules, and regulations; reviews and evaluates the performance of the Tourism Master Plan and advises the President on all matters affecting the tourism program of the country.

Tourism Promotions Sector

The Tourism Promotion Sector has the primary function of promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination domestically and internationally. It devises integrated marketing and promotional activities such as information dissemination, public relations, special events, and related tourism programs. It likewise supervises the overseas field offices established to implement and enhance the tourism development and promotion program of the Department in the international field.

Tourism Services and Regional Offices Sector

The Tourism Services and Regional Offices Sector is tasked to ensure the pleasant entry, stay, and exit of tourists. It formulates standards of quantity and efficiency for tourism-oriented establishments, among others, done through an accreditation system. Tourist establishments' compliance to policies is monitored to make sure that their facilities and services are operated and maintained according to acceptable international norms. The Sector also supervises DOT's regional operations established to implement the policies, plans, programs, and regulations of the Department and to maintain the delivery of efficient and effective frontline services for the tourism industry.

Planning, Product Development and Coordination

The Tourism Planning, Product Development and Coordination Sector is responsible for the formulation and updating of the Tourism Master Plan, together with its component programs. The Sector monitors the effective implementation of the Tourism Master Plan and, in coordination with the private sector and other government institutions, develops and conceptualizes new products and investment opportunities designed to enhance tourist sites and facilities.

Internal Services Sector

The Internal Services Sector ensures the smooth and legal functioning of the operations of the Department through the provision of effective and efficient advice and services in the areas of personnel management, human resources development, general services administration, computerization and information technology services, budgetary, financial and management services, and including investigatory and advisory services.

Brief History

Integrated Asian, European and American Influence. The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences. Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese. Spain's colonization brought about the construction of Intramuros in 1571, a "Walled City" comprised of European buildings and churches, replicated in different parts of the archipelago. In 1898, after 350 years and 300 rebellions, the Filipinos, with leaders like Jose Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo, succeeded in winning their independence.

In 1898, the Philippines became the first and only colony of the United States. Following the Philippine-American War, the United States brought widespread education to the islands. Filipinos fought alongside Americans during World War II, particularly at the famous battle of Bataan and Corregidor which delayed Japanese advance and saved Australia. They then waged a guerilla war against the Japanese from 1941 to 1945. The Philippines regained its independence in 1946.

Filipinos are a freedom-loving people, having waged two peaceful, bloodless revolutions against what were perceived as corrupt regimes. The Philippines is a vibrant democracy, as evidenced by 12 English national newspapers, 7 national television stations, hundreds of cable TV stations, and 2,000 radio stations.

Filipinos are a fun-loving people. Throughout the islands, there are fiestas celebrated everyday and foreign guests are always welcome to their homes.

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GEOGRAPHY
Source: www:nscb.gov.ph

Location: Off the south-east coast of Asia and sprawls between Asia mainland and Australia between latitude 21°25'N and 4°23'N and longitude 116°E and 127°E.
Capital: Manila, with a population of 1,660,7141 as of Aug 1, 2007 and an area of 25.0 sq. km.
Land Area: The Philippines has a total land area of approximately 343,448.32 sq. km.2 and comprises 7,107 islands, some 4,000 of which are named and 1,000 are inhabited. The Philippine Archipelago is one of the largest island groups in the world. It is divided into three major island groups, namely:

Luzon, 147,947.63 sq. km.;
Visayas, 59,873.84 sq. km.; and
Mindanao, 135,626.85 sq. km.

Terrain: Diverse, owing to its numerous high mountains and/or volcanic landforms and extensive valleys and plateaus interspersed with many rivers and lakes.
Climate: Tropical, with a normal average year-round temperature of 27°C (82°F). Two pronounced seasons --- dry and wet.
Time Zone (Standard Time): One time zone. 120° East Meridian Time, which is eight hours in advance of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Note: Information are as of January 2010.

1 Source: 2007 Census of Population and Housing, National Statistics Office
2 Land area is based on the 2007 Masterlist certified by the Lands Management Bureau.

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PEOPLE

Nationality: Filipino(s)

Population: Population for year 2007 is 88.57 million. Annual growth rate for 2000-2007 is estimated at 2.04%. Population Projection for year 2007 is 88.7 million.

Religion: Predominantly Christian.
Catholics - 82.9%
Protestants - 5.4%
Islam - 4.6%
Philippine Independent Church - 2.6%
Iglesia ni Cristo - 2.3%

Languages: Two official languages --- Filipino and English. Filipino which is based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is also widely used and is the medium of instruction in higher education.

Eight (8) major dialects spoken by majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.

Education: Two forms --- formal and nonformal.
Simple Literacy Rate (2003) - 93.4%
Participation rates:
Elementary (SY 2008- 2009)* - 85.12%
Secondary (SY 2008- 2009)* - 60.74%
Enrolment:
Elementary (SY 2009-2010)* - 12,789,110
Secondary (SY 2009-2010)* - 5,416,718
Tertiary (SY 2009-2010) - 2,770,965

Health:
Life expectancy (2010-2015):
Female - 73.14 years
Male - 67.67 years

Infant mortality rate per 1000 live births (2006 ) - 13
Child mortality rate per 1000 live births (2006) - 6
Maternal mortality per 100,000 live births (2006) - 104
Contraceptive prevalence rate (2006) - 73%

Labor and Employment (October 2010):
Labor force participation rate - 64.2%
Unemployment rate - 7.1%

Distribution of Employed Persons:

Agriculture, fishery and forestry - 33.6%
Industry - 14.7%
Services - 51.7%.

* For Public schools only.
Note: Data are as of 13 January 2011

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GOVERNMENT

Official Name: Republic of the Philippines

Form of Government: Democratic

Independence: June 12, 1898

Constitution: The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines restored the republican form of government in the country. It was ratified on February 2, 1987.

Branches:

Executive --- president and vice-president
Legislative --- bicameral legislature (Upper and Lower House)
Judiciary --- independent.

Incumbent Officers:

President: Benigno S. Aquino III
Vice-President: Jejomar C. Binay
Senate President: Juan Ponce Enrile
Speaker of the House of Representatives: Feliciano Belmonte

Administrative Subdivisions1: As of December 2010, the Philippines had 17 regions, 80 provinces, 138 cities, 1,496 municipalities and 42,025 barangays.
Suffrage: Universal, but not compulsory, at age 18.
Note: Information are as of January 2011.
1 Source: Philippine Standard Geographic Codes, NSCB

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ECONOMY

Gross National Income (GNI)
(4th Qtr 2011)
At constant 2000 prices:

Level: PhP 2,064,364
Growth rate (4Q 2010- 4Q 2011): 3.5%
Per Capita GNI: PhP 21,402

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
(4th Qtr 2011)
At constant 2000 prices:

Level: PhP 1,591,195
Growth rate (4Q 2010- 4Q 2011): 3.7%
Per Capita GDP: PhP 16,497

Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishery (4th Qtr 2011)
At constant 2000 prices:

Percent share to total GNI: 9.5%
Five major products:
Palay, Coconut (including copra), Banana, Poultry, Livestock

Industry Sector (4th Qtr 2011)
At constant 2000 prices:
Percent share to total GNI: 24.7%

Major industries and their contribution to GNI

Mining and quarrying: 0.7%
Manufacturing: 17.8%
Construction: 4.0%
Electricity, gas and water supply: 2.2%

Services Sector (4th Qtr 2011)
At constant 2000 prices:
Percent share to total GNI: 42.9%

Major services and their contribution to total GNI

Transportation, communication and storage: 5.7%
Trade and Repair of Motor Vehicles, Motorcycles,
Personal and Household Goods: 13.6%
Financial Intermediation: 5.0%
Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities: 7.7%
Public Administration & Defence;
Compulsory Social Security: 2.9%
Other services: 7.9%

Currency Used: Philippine Peso (PhP)

Note: Information are as of 30 January 2012.

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The President's Cabinet

Executive Secretary - Paquito Ochoa, Jr.
Secretary of Agrarian Reform - Virgilio De Los Reyes
Secretary of Agriculture - Proceso Alcala
Secretary of Budget and Management - Florencio Abad
Secretary of Education - Bro. Armin Luistro FSC
Secretary of Energy - Jose Rene Almendras
Secretary of Environment & Natural Resources - Ramon Paje
Secretary of Finance - Cesar Purisima
Secretary of Foreign Affairs - Albert Del Rosario
Secretary of Health - Enrique Ona
Secretary of Interior and Local Government - Jesse Robredo
Secretary of Justice - Leila de Lima
Secretary of Labor and Employment - Rosalinda Baldoz
Secretary of National Defense - Voltaire Gazmin
Secretary of Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning - Ramon Carandang
Secretary of Presidential Communications Operations Office - Herminio Coloma
Secretary of Public Works & Highways - Rogelio Singson
Secretary of Science & Technology - Mario Montejo
Secretary of Social Welfare & Development - Corazon Soliman
Secretary of Tourism - Ramon Jimenez
Secretary of Trade & Industry - Gregory Domingo
Secretary of Transportation and Communications - Manuel Roxas
Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) - Patricia Licuanan
Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council - Vice-President Jejomar Binay
Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority - Cayetano Paderanga, Jr.
National Security Adviser - Cesar Garcia
Presidential Adviser on Peace Process - Teresita Deles
Head of the Presidential Management Staff - Julia Andrea Abad
Presidential Spokesperson - Edwin Lacierda
Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority - Francis Tolentino
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel - Eduardo de Mesa
Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) - Antonino P. Roman
National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) - Jose Eliseo M. Rocamora

How to apply?

The DOT online application for accreditation is temporarily under maintenance.
Applicants are advised to proceed to the regional office located in your respective locality:

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
DIRECTORY OF REGIONAL OFFICES
Website: http://www.visitmyphilippines.com

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Ma. Cynthia C. Lazo, CESO III - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region NCR
2/F New DOT Bldg., 351 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, Philippines 1200
Trunkline (63 2) 459-5200 to 459-5230 loc. 212 / 232
Telefax (63 2) 553-3530 / 3531
Email DOT
[email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION
Marie Venus Q. Tan - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region CAR
Baguio Tourism Complex, Gov. Pack Road, 2600 Baguio City
Phone (63 74) 442-7014 / 8848 / 7014 / 424-8667
Mobile 0917-658-1619
E-mail [email protected] / [email protected]

NORTH LUZON REGION (ILOCOS)
Martin S. Valera, CSE Eligible - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region I
G/F Oasis Country Resort Hotel, Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union
Phone (63 72) 888-2098 / 888-2411 / 242-1656
Fax (63 72) 888-2098
Email [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]
Satellite Office (Laoag Sub-Office)
Modesto T. Baloloy - Officer - In - Charge
2/F Pacific Bldg., Abadilla St., Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 2900
Phone (63 77) 772-0467
Telefax (63 77) 771-1473
Mobile 0920-603-1850
Email [email protected]

CAGAYAN VALLEY REGION
Virgilio M. Maguigad - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region II
# 2 Dalan na Pav-vurulun, Regional Government Center, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Telefax: (63 78) 304-1503 / 304-1499
Phone (63 78) 373-9563 / 373-0785 / 373-0786
Mobile 0918-909-2326 / 0939-198-5444 (Smart)
Mobile 0915-189-1388 (Globe) / 0925-880-1550 up to 1555 (Sun)
Email [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]
Website www.dotregion2.com.ph

CENTRAL LUZON REGION
Carolina D. Uy - Chief Tourism Operations Officer / Officer–In-Charge
Department of Tourism - Region III
G/F Marlim Mansions Hotel Bldg., MacArthur Hwy., Diamond Subd., Balibago, Angeles City
Phone: (63 45) 625-8525 / 458-2358
Office Mobile #: 0939-904-5231 / 0917-506-2221
OIC Carol Uy Mobile #: 0908-888-4858 / 0906-248-8338
Alvin delos Reyes (accreditation officer) Mobile # 0923-474-3849
Email: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

CALABARZON REGION
Vernie V. Morales, CESO III - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region IV-A
G/F Dencris Business Center, Halang, National Hwy., Calamba City, Laguna
Phone (63 49) 508-0731 to 34 (Trunkline)
Phone (63 49) 508-0741 / 0760 / 0743 / 0748 / 0761
Email [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

MIMAROPA REGION
Maria Luisa S. Diploma - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region IV-B
DOT Bldg., #351 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., JB Bldg., Makati City
Phone (63 2) 459-5200 loc. 210 / 890-1014
Fax (63 2) 890-0945
Email [email protected]

BICOL REGION
Benjamin F. Santiago - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region V
Regional Center Site, Rawis, 4500 Legazpi City
Phone (63 52) 481-5593 / 435-0085
Fax (63 52) 482-0712 / 482-0715
Email [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]
Website www.www.gayonbicol.com

WESTERN VISAYAS REGION
Atty. Helen J. Catalbas - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region VI
Western Visayas Tourism Center, Capitol Ground, Bonifacio Drive, 5000 Iloilo City
Phone (63 33) 337-5411 / 509-3550
Telefax (63 33) 335-0245
Mobile 0917-622-7979 (RD Helen) / 0917-722-6691 (office)
Email [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]
Website www.westernvisayastourism.com.ph
Satellite Office (Boracay)
Mr. Kristoffer Leo Velete
Officer-in-Charge / Team Leader
D' Mall, Stn 2, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan 5608 Aklan
Phone (63 36) 288-3689
Mobile 0947-852-8110
Email [email protected]
Website http://www.boracay.com
Bacolod Satellite Office
Doña Ceferina II Bldg., Door #4, 22nd St., Lacson, 6100 Bacolod City
Phone (63 34) 709-0626

CENTRAL VISAYAS REGION
Shahlimar H.Tamano - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region VII
G/F LDM Bldg. cor Legaspi and MJ Cuenco Sts., 6000 Cebu City
Phone (63 32) 412-1980 (Executive Assistant)
Phone (63 32) 412-1967 (Administrative / Accounting Div)
Phone (63 32) 254-3534 / 412-1980 (Planning and Statistics Office)
Phone (63 32) 254-6650 (Product Development Div)
Phone (63 32) 254-2811 / 412-1966 (Accreditation Div)
Email dot [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]
Satellite Office (Bohol)
Door 2, 2/F Sum Bldg., San Jose St., Brgy. Cogon, Tagbilaran City 6300
Phone (63 38) 501-0143

EASTERN VISAYAS REGION
Ma. Trinidad C. Dacuycuy - Supervising Tourism Operations Officer / Officer-In-Charge
Department of Tourism - Region VIII
Leyte Park Hotel Cpd., Magsaysay Blvd., Kanhuraw Hill, Magsaysay Blvd., Tacloban City, 6500 Leyte
Phone (63 53) 832-0901 / 325-5279 / 321-2048
Mobile 0998-888-9715
Email [email protected] / [email protected]

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA REGION
Karina Rosa S. Tiopes, CESO III - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region IX
G/F Samboangan Cooperative Bldg., Gen. Vicente Alvarez St. cor. Claveria St., Zamboanga City 7000
Phone (63 62) 955-2477
Telefax (63 62) 993-0030
Mobile 0917-710-5219
Email [email protected] / [email protected]
Satellite Office (Dapitan City)
City Library Bldg., 7101 Dapitan City
Phone (63 65) 213-6616
Telefax (63 65) 213-6787
Email [email protected]

NORTHERN MINDANAO REGION
Marie Elaine Salvana - Unchuan - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region X
Florentino St., Limketkai Center 9000 Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental
Phone (63 88) 880-4531 / 856-4048
E-mail [email protected] / [email protected]
Website http://dotregion10.com.ph/

SOUTHERN MINDANAO REGION
Antonio Fernando M. Blanco - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region XI
Rm. 512 5/F LANDCO Corporate Center Bldg., J.P. Laurel Avenue, 8000 Davao City
Phone (63 82) 225-1940 / 221-0070 / 6955
Phone (63 82) 221-0070 / 6955
Phone (63 82) 224-1363 / 0917-795-3965 / 0939-930-0864 (Office of the Assistant Secretary)
Email [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]
Website www.discoverdavao.com / www.davaocity.gov.ph

SOUTH CENTRAL MINDANAO
Maria Rica C. Bueno - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region XII
G/F Door 6 & 7, Lucena Realty Bldg., Alunan Ave., cor. Jose Abad Santos St., Koronadal City
Phone (63 83) 228-8667 / 520-1274
E-mail [email protected] / [email protected]
Website www.visitsox.com

CARAGA REGION
Ma. Ana T. Nuguid - Regional Director
Department of Tourism - Region XIII
G/F Grateful Realty Corp. Bldg., 008 Pili Drive, 8600 Butuan City
Phone (63 85) 341-8413
Telefax (63 85) 815-6040
Email [email protected]
Website: http://www.dotcaraga.ph

Coordinating Office:
MS. MARIA LOURDES F. JAPSON - Assistant Secretary
Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation (TRCRG)
Department of Tourism
#351 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., JB Bldg., Makati City
Trunk Line: (63 2) 459-5200 to 459-5230
E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]

N.B. Updated as of February 2018. Information here may change without prior notice.