Govt's P182.2-B fund allotted to tourism infra projects, – DBM's Abad

Government has slew of infrastructure projects lined up this year that will have a direct impact on tourism and make the Philippine one of the most vibrant destinations in the world, the Budget and Management Department said Monday.   The Aquino administration’s P182.2 billion worth of infrastructure projects will boost government efforts to lure 4.6 million tourists to the Philippines, the department said.   Bulk of the fund will be used to build airports, roads, and bridges leading to the various tourists attractions in the Philippines, said Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad.   “The Aquino administration has envisioned a sustainable and well-designed tourism program for the country,” the Budget chief noted, saying, “A robust tourism sector can fuel up the economy so we can provide more jobs in local communities, as well as raise our national profile as a premier tourist destination.”   Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez committed to attract 10 million visitors at the end of President Aquino’s term in 2016, Abad noted.   Among the projects to be funded this year are the P8.1-billion access roads to airports and roll-on/roll-off ports to various tourist destinations, including Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Bicol, Cebu, Mindanao, and Northern and Central Luzon.   The money is part of the Department of Public Works and Highways budget, according to the DBM.   Under the Department of Transportation and Communication, new airports in high-traffic destinations will be constructed. About P1.2 billion is for the development of the New Bohol International Airport in Panglao, and P1 billion will be allotted to the Puerto Princesa Airport Development.   The National Parks Development Committee will get P37.6 million to develop, beautify, preserve, and maintain Rizal Park and other satellite parks in the country. Another P4.5 million will be for the promotion of arts and cultural activities in the parks.   The Intramuros Administration will receive P2.1 million for cultural properties conservation and P3.4 million to promote tourism.   The Tourism Department on Jan. 6 launched its new tourism campaign, “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”   The Budget Department said that the tourism sector is part of the economic growth and job generation aspects of the President’s Social Contract with the Filipino People, and are part of the key areas that include business process outsourcing, semiconductor and electronics, agriculture and fisheries, and infrastructure development.   The Tourism Department has allotted P762.4 million for its international promotion campaign, with an additional P18.6 million to fund a major international tourist exposition in Yeosu, Korea, and P12.5 million to boost local tourism promotion. — VS, GMA News