Philippines – Author Carlo Carrasco

Vietnam wins 2026 Asia’s Best Cruise Destination award

October 26, 2026October 24, 2026carlocarrasco

Have you been on a nice cruise within Asia over the past six months? During the recent 2026 World Cruise Awards, Vietnam won the Asia’s Best Cruise Destination award and ended the 2-year reign of Hong Kong, according to a news article by VnExpress. Vietnam also won another prestigious award.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the article of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Vietnam has won Asia’s Best Cruise Destination at the 2026 World Cruise Awards for the first time, ending Hong Kong’s two-year reign.

Vietnam beat nine other nominees, including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand, according to the results announced at the sixth annual ceremony in Jamaica on Oct. 12.

Since the category began in 2021, Singapore has won twice, followed by the Philippines in 2023 and Hong Kong in 2024 and 2025.

Vietnam’s cruising experiences range from journeys through limestone islands in the north to river voyages through the Mekong Delta in the south.

In Ha Long Bay, passengers can spend the day sailing between limestone formations before anchoring overnight and waking up to views of the surrounding islands.

Itineraries often combine time aboard with kayaking and cave visits, while onboard activities can include cooking classes and squid fishing, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism’s official website.

Mekong Delta cruises offer a closer look at life along the waterways, the tourism authority says.

Boats pass palm-lined riverbanks and villages, with shore excursions allowing passengers to explore local markets and towns or sample tropical fruit.

Vietnam also won the World’s Best River Cruise Destination at this year’s awards. Ha Long Cruise Port was named Asia’s Best Cruise Terminal.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? If you were able to join a cruise in Vietnam, how was the experience and what are the things you enjoyed the most about it? Did you get a lot of value in return to what you paid for during the Vietnam cruise?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines Gets Over 1,400 Pregnant Dairy Cattle from Australia

October 25, 2026October 23, 2026carlocarrasco

In a serious attempt to boost the Philippines’ production of milk, the National Dairy Authority (NDA) resumed the importation of dairy cattle starting with receiving over one thousand and four hundred pregnant cows from Australia, according to a news report by GMA News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA. Some parts in boldface…

The National Dairy Authority (NDA) resumed its importation of dairy cattle after receiving 1,419 pregnant cows from Australia to boost the country’s milk production.

“After almost three years, the NDA has resumed the importation of dairy cattle and we now have a source of good quality animals to be dispersed to farmers by way of a grant to help expand the country’s dairy herd and increase local milk production,” said NDA administrator Marcus Andaya in a statement.

“More importantly, this initiative will provide qualified farmers and cooperatives with opportunities to grow their herds, produce more milk, and strengthen their livelihoods,” he added.

The importation is composed of Holstein-Jersey, purebred Holstein, and Holstein-Jersey cross breeds, the NDA said.

The agency added that a total of 150 cattle will undergo quarantine and acclimatization at the NDA stock farm in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija, while another 150 will be assigned to Ubay, Bohol, and the remaining 1,119 heads will be stationed at the Del Monte Feed Lot in Bukidnon.

With the importation from Australia, the NDA is expecting the herd population to grow to 2,527 and contribute an estimated 5.9 million liters of milk in 2027.

This projected output is equivalent to about 20% of the targeted cattle milk production for the year, the agency said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines should import thousands more pregnant cows to boost the nation’s milk production?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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WR Advisory Group: Philippines Very Risky for Investors

October 24, 2026October 23, 2026carlocarrasco

Based on its research covering a wide range of economic factors, financial readings and the public’s perception of governance, the WR Advisory Group finds the Philippines very risky for investors, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

Investing in the Philippines is expected to be “very risky” in the coming months, driven by economic uncertainties and growing political dissatisfaction with the Marcos administration, according to professional services firm WR Advisory Group.

Based on its inaugural Philippine Political and Country Outlook Report, WR Advisory Group assigned the country a score of 10.375 out of 25, placing it at an elevated risk level with a deteriorating outlook.

WR Advisory Group President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robin Michael Garcia said the score indicates that investing in the country carries heightened risk due to ongoing economic and political factors.

“You can invest, but just know that there are risks. So if you see a potential opportunity in this period, it’s going to be risky,” Garcia said in a media briefing on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Regarding the country’s economic outlook, he noted a strong possibility of stagflation, a scenario marked by simultaneous high inflation and elevated unemployment.

Garcia added that these risks are further compounded by national government debt, which reached ₱19.07 trillion at the end of July, equivalent to 66 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Economic growth also slowed to 2.3 percent in the second quarter, while inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) dropped by more than 33 percent through May.

Garcia warned that stagflation is a real possibility, particularly if the government “does not pay enough attention to economic management and economic policy.”

“The more that we think about other things, the more that the attention is going everywhere, except for solving this potential scenario,” he stressed.

Much of that focus, according to Garcia, has shifted to political controversies, including the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

While clarifying that he was not questioning the validity of the impeachment, he explained that the proceedings come at a time when Congress should be prioritizing legislative reforms to address the country’s economic challenges.

“At this time, there are a lot of economic issues. Firms care more about economic legislation and economic policy rather than mere politics,” Garcia said.

He identified politically sensitive sectors, including energy, telecommunications, mining, and banking, as the most vulnerable to these heightened risks.

The report also noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s performance ratings continue to decline, while frequent turnover in his Cabinet poses additional stability risks for businesses.

“Senate confidence also deteriorated sharply, adding institutional strain to an already weak legislative and regulatory environment,” the report stated.

These factors are accompanied by a negative assessment of national conditions, with 68 percent of Filipinos saying that the Philippines is going in the wrong direction, according to the report.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the WR Advisory Group is correct with its analysis about the Philippines being very risky for investors? Are you convinced that foreign investors are avoiding the Philippines right now? Do you think the Philippines is going towards the wrong direction now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Several Las Piñas City Senior Citizens Receive P3,000 Social Pension

October 23, 2026October 18, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, roughly two thousand and five hundred senior citizens from six barangays received their social pension of P3,000 each, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

Some 2,500 senior citizens from six barangays in Las Piñas City received P3,000 each in social pension during the third‑quarter payout held at the Aguilar Sports Complex.

The beneficiaries came from Barangays Elias Aldana, Zapote, Pamplona Tres, Pamplona Dos, Pulang Lupa Uno, and Pulang Lupa Dos.

Mayor April Aguilar attended the distribution, which was assisted by personnel from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), PWD Affairs Office, City Health Office, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO).

The participating offices helped facilitate the payout and attend to the needs of the elderly beneficiaries.

The financial assistance is intended to help eligible senior citizens cover basic expenses, including food, medicines, and other daily necessities.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, are you thankful to the City Government for the release of the social pension for senior citizens of six barangays? Were there many senior citizens in your local community who received their pension already?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

SBMA Anticipates Rising Shipments of Electric Vehicles

October 22, 2026October 19, 2026carlocarrasco

With the increased demand for electric vehicles (EVs) here in the Philippines, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it is anticipating the increase of shipments of the said vehicles at its port.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) anticipates a rise in electric vehicle (EV) shipments as Subic Bay solidifies its role in the country’s evolving automotive logistics and supply chain sector.

“With its strategic location, well-established port infrastructure, and Freeport designation, Subic Bay provides significant opportunities for businesses involved in importing, exporting, distributing, and handling electric vehicles and related components,” said SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations and Logistics, Ronnie Yambao.

Recently, the Port of Subic received a shipment comprising 80 brand-new hybrid vehicles and 20 fully electric vehicles (FEVs), marking the first delivery of a renowned EV brand to the area.

These vehicles will be distributed to the consignee’s accredited car dealers within the coming weeks. The consignee aims to increase shipments to over 500 units per week, exceeding 2,000 per month, with projected revenue of PHP 6.8 million monthly.

Strategically located in Central Luzon, Subic Bay provides access to major commercial centers, industrial zones, and transportation networks across the Philippines. Its port facilities and surrounding logistics infrastructure position it as a key gateway for international vehicle shipments, including electric passenger cars, commercial electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, and EV components.

For importers and distributors, the port offers comprehensive cargo-handling capabilities, warehousing, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage services to support the seamless movement of vehicles from overseas manufacturers to Philippine markets. The increasing interest in sustainable transportation is creating new opportunities throughout the EV supply chain. Subic Bay is well-positioned to support various business activities, including the importation of fully assembled electric vehicles from international manufacturing centers.

This growth will also bolster the distribution and warehousing sectors by providing facilities for storage, inspection, inventory management, and distribution services. Additionally, it supports commercial fleet development by facilitating the supply of electric vans, utility vehicles, buses, and other fleet applications.

Subic Freeport can further assist the EV components and battery industry by streamlining the movement of charging equipment, replacement parts, and battery-related products, subject to applicable transport and safety regulations.

“Another significant opportunity lies in re-export and regional logistics, by exploring avenues to consolidate and transfer eligible vehicle shipments to other markets, in compliance with customs and trade regulations,” Yambao added.

The EV industry in the Philippines is experiencing rapid growth. The year 2026 is being heralded as the year of EVs, driven by elevated fuel costs resulting from geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, and strongly supported by the national government’s thrust to transition from traditional fuel-powered engines to electric vehicles.

EV sales accounted for nearly one in every four vehicles sold nationwide (24.7%) between January and August 2026, a significant increase from 12% in 2025 and just 4% in 2024.

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), 66,685 EVs were sold during the first eight months of 2026 alone. This fleet is predominantly composed of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) with 29,649 units, Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) with 20,716 units, and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) with 16,320 units.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the increase of incoming shipments of electric vehicles at the Subic Bay port will somehow create new business opportunities for local entrepreneurs as well as customers?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Expansion of DFCAMCLP to Accommodate Thousands More Students in Las Piñas City

October 21, 2026October 16, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a topping-off ceremony for the new 10-story campus of the city-run Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College of Las Piñas (DFCAMCLP) was formally held and in the near future, it will accommodate about four thousand more students, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

More students in Las Piñas City could soon gain access to free college education with the construction of a new 10‑story campus of the city‑run Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College of Las Piñas (DFCAMCLP), designed to accommodate about 4,000 learners.

The engineering campus on Aria Street in Sta. Cecilia Village, Barangay Talon Dos, has reached the topping‑off stage, marking completion of its highest structural point.

The facility will include engineering laboratories, computer rooms, a library, a student lounge, a clinic, and a cafeteria to support students’ academic and daily needs.

Mayor April Aguilar said the project is part of the city’s continuing efforts to expand access to free, quality higher education, particularly for young Las Piñeros seeking opportunities to pursue a college degree.

Aguilar said that once completed, the campus is expected to provide additional learning space and facilities for students enrolled at the city-run college.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, do you think the expansion at DFCAMCLP will succeed in accommodating more local students? Are many members of your local community enrolled at DFCAMCLP?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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IMF Sees Sluggish Economic Growth for the Philippines this Year

October 20, 2026October 14, 2026carlocarrasco

In its latest economic assessment about the Philippines, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) will grow by only 3.4% this year and it will end up as one of the weaker economics of Southeast Asia, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

THE PHILIPPINES could post the fifth-slowest growth in Southeast Asia this year as weak investment and elevated inflation weigh on economic activity, while unemployment is expected to rise more than previously forecast, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said.

In its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) released on Tuesday, the IMF expects Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 3.4% this year, slowing from the post-pandemic low of 4.4% recorded in 2025.

This puts the Philippines behind most economies in the Association of the Southeast Nations (ASEAN). Vietnam is projected to post the fastest growth at 8.4%, followed by Malaysia (5.2%), Indonesia (5.1%), Singapore (5%), Lao People’s Democratic Republic (4.5%), and Timor-Leste (4%).

The Philippines is only expected to outpace Cambodia (3%), Thailand (2.1%), Myanmar (2%), and Brunei (1.9%) this year.

Philippine economic growth remained muted this year as the Middle East war-driven energy crisis amplified the lingering effects of the flood control mess. In the second quarter, GDP grew by a new post-pandemic low of 2.3%, bringing the first-half expansion to 2.6%.

However, the IMF expects the Philippine economy to regain momentum next year, but still below its growth potential.

“The Philippines is projected to grow by 5.1% in 2027, recovering from 3.4% in 2026,” an IMF spokesperson said in an e-mail.

“This is a robust recovery — thanks to the still elevated Philippines growth potential—which allows (the) Philippines to maintain a relatively strong pace compared with many ASEAN peers next year. However, (it is) still relatively lower than its growth potential.”

If this holds, the Philippines will be the second fastest-growing economy in ASEAN in 2027, matching Indonesia and trailing only Vietnam with 7.5%.

MAIN RISKS – For the IMF, the Philippines could rebound once confidence picks up and the energy shock fades to gradually steer investments back to the country.

However, the Washington-based multilateral lender said the economy may remain below its potential until next year if the investment backdrop remains bleak and consumer prices stay elevated.

“The main risks are renewed delays in public infrastructure investment, persistently high energy and food prices, and weaker investor confidence,” the IMF spokesperson said. “Restoring public investment while strengthening governance will be key to making the recovery durable.”

Economic managers are targeting 3.5%-4.5% GDP growth this year and 5%-6% next year until 2030.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be no economic breakthroughs for the Philippines this year? What do you think the Philippines should do to attract more new foreign investments and bring down the cost of energy? Do you think hosting the ASEAN Summit this year resulted in no real economic benefits for the Philippines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines Targets 6.4 Million International Tourist Arrivals this Year

October 19, 2026October 12, 2026carlocarrasco

The Philippines, which has been enduring economic weakness and high inflation for much of 2026, is targeting 6.4 million international visitor arrivals this year, according a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, international tourists/visitors is a reference to both foreign tourists and overseas Filipinos who arrived in the country. In 2025, the Philippines attracted 5.94 million foreign tourists and 543,000 overseas Filipinos which combine for a grand total of 6.48 million international tourists/visitors. That said, the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) target for 2026 technically the same when compared to what was achieved in 2025.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines expects tourist arrivals to remain flat at around 6.4 million this year amid more muted travel demand due to the ongoing fuel crisis, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay told reporters last week that the DOT expects international visitor arrivals to remain relatively unchanged from the 6.48 million recorded last year.

“6.4 [million] is our target because I was really super anxious about the fuel crisis and the accompanying higher airline fees, as well as the lower sentiment for traveling,” Angara-Mathay said.

Even against this backdrop, Angara-Mathay said tourist arrivals remain relatively strong, having posted 3.46-percent year-on-year growth as of Oct. 6.

The latest official DOT data showed that visitor arrivals from January to August inched up by 0.8 percent to 4.42 million from 4.38 million in the same period last year.

“I was afraid that it would go down, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I think we’ll be able to match [last year],” Angara-Mathay said.

Given the expected boost in arrivals during the holiday season, the DOT still sees room for growth this year, especially if the government approves its proposed expansion of the visa-free scheme for Chinese tourists.

The DOT is pushing to expand visa-free coverage for Chinese nationals to other gateways in hopes of opening more flights between the Philippines and China beyond Manila and Cebu.

Chinese tourists are currently allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for stays of up to 14 days, provided they arrive through either Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

The current arrangement has already resulted in a surge in Chinese visitors this year, with arrivals nearly doubling to 303,567 as of end-August from 156,926 a year ago.

“There is a direct correlation with taking out that friction of the visa with [increased] travel. So hopefully, everyone’s on board, unfortunately one more agency needs to be convinced,” said Angara-Mathay.

While she did not identify the agency opposing the visa-free expansion, the DOT chief emphasized that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) are fully on board.

The DFA authorized visa-free entry for Chinese nationals earlier this year, while BI issued the implementing guidelines.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the tourism industry of the Philippines has what it takes to attract more than enough foreign tourists and returning overseas Filipinos to exceed the DOT’s 2026 target? Do you feel uncomfortable about the Philippine government’s effort to expand visa-free coverage for Chinese nationals to other gateways? Do you prefer to see the authorities focus more on attracting more travelers from Southeast Asia and Europe? What do you think are the three biggest problems of the tourism industry of the Philippines today?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Illegal Alien from the Philippines Arrested by ICE for Secretly Filming Undressed People

October 19, 2026October 18, 2026carlocarrasco

In a press release by Homeland Security, it was announced that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more of the worst-of-the-worst illegal aliens whose acts were very despicable and disturbing. What caught my attention is the arrest of a Filipino illegal alien over the crime of videotaping undressed persons without consent and already he is in the news.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the news report of the Manila Standard. Some parts in boldface…

A 21-year-old Filipino national illegally residing in the United States was arrested by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being convicted of two counts of videotaping undressed persons without consent.

In a press release, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Joshua Gabriel Car Hombrebueno was taken into the custody of ICE, following his detention at the William G. Truesdale Alexandria Adult Detention Center in Alexandria, Virginia.

ICE listed Hombrebueno as part of its “Worst of the Worst” list on October 13, alongside four other convicted individuals from El Salvador, Mexico, and Guatemala.

“Yesterday, the brave men and women of ICE arrested pedophiles, sexual predators, domestic assailants, and other public safety threats from our communities,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said.

The department cited Hombrebueno as an “illegal” individual in the US.

A report from the official City of Alexandria, Virginia website states that the 21-year-old’s case goes back to Sept. 20, 2025, when a mother and her three-year-old daughter reported a phone’s camera recording inside the employee bathroom restroom.

“Upon investigation, Alexandria Police Department (APD) detectives recovered a recording depicting multiple victims, including both adults and children, who were unknowingly recorded while using the restroom,” the statement read.

According to the APD, a search of the device pursuant to a search warrant revealed several other victims, including children and adults.

After being identified, the victims expressed their willingness to file charges against Hombrebueno, who was then 20 years old and working at a French bakery.

Following a sex offense investigation involving hidden-camera recordings inside the restaurant’s employee restroom, the APD filed three felony counts and nine misdemeanor counts of unlawful creation of an image of another person.

“Hombrebueno, through legal counsel, turned himself in to Detective Quint earlier today, and the arrest warrant was served without incident,” the statement read.

To see the official press release about the worst-of-the-worst apprehended by ICE, click https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/10/14/worst-worst-ice-arrests-pedophiles-sexual-predators-and-domestic-assailants

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you support ICE’s efforts on finding and arresting the worst-of-the-worst among the many illegal aliens/immigrants in the United States? Are there many illegal aliens/immigrants living in your local community right now? Do you think Hombrebueno is destined to be deported?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Leechiu Property Consultants Sees Lower Foreign Tourist Arrivals to the Philippines this Year

October 17, 2026October 12, 2026carlocarrasco

During its recent media briefing, property consultancy firm Leechiu Property Consultants Inc. (LPC) says it expects foreign tourist arrivals to the Philippines to be lower this year compared to what was achieved in 2025 due to factors like higher fuel prices and other factors, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Leechiu Property Consultants Inc. (LPC) expects foreign tourist arrivals to the Philippines to be lower this year compared with 2025 due to higher fuel costs and more expensive travel.

The number of tourists to the Philippines was flat at 4.4 million in the first eight months of 2026 compared with the same period last year after arrivals started to decline from May to August.

During LPC’s third-quarter media briefing last week, LPC senior manager of hotels, tourism, and leisure Adam Domingo said arrivals grew steadily in the first quarter, peaking at 12-percent growth in February, before momentum stalled in April and turned negative year-on-year from May onward.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict doubled jet fuel prices, pushing up airfares and prompting flight cuts. Full-year arrivals are now expected to fall below 2025 levels.

“Unless we change how we do tourism at a basic level, foreign arrivals are likely to stay near today’s levels into next year,” noted Domingo.

He added, “The clearest evidence for what works comes from China and India. Where the Philippines made travel easier, through visa-free entry and additional direct flights, arrivals from both markets grew by more than 50 percent in the first quarter, and China has sustained that pace since February. Reducing travel friction produces results.”

The same logic shows up in the hotel pipeline, with about 70 percent of planned hotel rooms located in areas with direct international flights, which shows that private developers are building where access is strongest.

However, there is a gap as some destinations with strong private-sector commitment, such as Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province, are served by international airports that sit underused because they have no direct international routes.

“Developers are betting on these places, but travelers cannot yet fly to them directly. Government can match that commitment quickly by introducing direct international routes to these destinations. Compared with building or expanding airports, new routes can be put in place sooner and can lift arrivals faster,” said Domingo.

On domestic tourism, which earns four times what foreign travelers bring in, Domingo said, “we also need a closer look at the relocation of turboprop flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Clark. Island destinations that depend on turboprops report that business is down.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will end up having lower foreign tourist arrivals this year compared to last year? Do you think the national government neglected the tourism industry this year due to its hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and meetings at the United Nations (UN)?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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