3 airlines commit to reduce fares, says DOT chief

Three major airline companies in the country vowed to remove their top two most expensive price buckets (fare classes) to lower airfares, according to Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco during the opening ceremonies of ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026.

The historic Liberty Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City is the venue for the opening ceremonies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Tourism Forum evening on January 28, 2026.

ASEAN delegates got a glimpse of Cebu through cultural performances and culinary heritage. 

Young arnisadors and members of the Lapu-Lapu City Performing Arts, Minglanilla Dance Company, and Liloan Performing Arts demonstrated their prowess in martial arts, dances, and songs through various performances. 

Firt Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos graced the opening ceremonies on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. The President's message to the delegates was read out by Frasco. 

In a symbolic opening of the ASEAN Tourism Forum, Frasco struck the gong. ASEAN tourism ministers of member-states joined Frasco in sounding the gong. 

A fireworks display capped the event at the Liberty Shrine, where the statue of Lapu-Lapu is located. Lapu-Lapu was a chieftain of Mactan who fought against Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 and resisted Spanish colonization.

Lower airfare, travel tax

On the other hand, Frasco said that there is already a commitment from three airline companies to drop their Top 2 most expensive price buckets. This is in response to complaints received by DOT from local tourists that it is more expensive to travel to destinations in the Philippines than to go abroad.

However, Frasco pointed out that not all destinations in the Philippines have costly airfare. 

As for a resolution filed by Cebu City South District Representative Eduardo (Edu) Rama, Jr. seeking to abolish travel tax for all travelers leaving the Philippines, Frasco said she trusts Congress to decide on the passage of the bill. But she also pointed out that travel taxes are essential and beneficial to the Filipinos. 

Further, the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026-2028 was launched formally during the ASEAN Tourism Conference on January 29 with focus areas given priority.

The plan was launched during the gathering of ASEAN ministers to give priority to focus areas in the next two years, such as empowerment of the tourism workforce or strengthening the skills of workers, ease and order in travel, sustainable tourism, among others.

ASEAN leaders underscored the importance of deeper collaboration among member-states to ensure unity in regional progress and development.

In the event, Frasco shared the strategies of the Philippine government in dealing with challenges, especially in the face of disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons and massive flooding in 2025.

Cebu's hosting of the forum and pocket meetings is essential and beneficial as ASEAN "champions peace and regional stability through dialogue, adherence to international law, and strengthened cooperation on emerging and non-traditional security threats."

ASEAN builds systemic connections toward a shared prosperity through economic integration, digital transformation, and inclusive and sustainable development that benefit aII ASEAN peoples.

In addition, ASEAN empowers people in the regional community by fostering social inclusion, protecting vulnerable groups, and promoting a sense of shared identity and community.

"Together, these priorities serve as our compass—anchoring our decisions, guiding our initiatives, and shaping a future where peace, prosperity, and people are not only aspirations, but enduring foundations of the ASEAN community," said ASEAN Philippines 2026 in a post on asean2026.gov.ph.  — with Alan Domingo/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak