China – Page 17 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Chinese vessels spotted near Balikatan training area off Palawan

May 14, 2024May 1, 2024carlocarrasco

Since it formally started on April 22, Balikatan 2024 resulted in several military exercises and activities involving armed elements of the Philippines, the United States and France. This of course caught the attention of China and according to a recent Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article, several Chinese vessels were spotted near a training area off Palawan.

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

Naval participants in the just concluded multilateral maritime exercise were undaunted by the presence of Chinese vessels near the training area off Palawan province, Balikatan 2024 executive agent Col. Michael Logico said Tuesday.

Around four of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted at different times monitoring the flotilla during the training period.

“We went there for the purpose of conducting interoperability exercises, that was our mission and we were able to finish it, they were not able to disturb us in any way nor (were we) intimidated in any way by their presence,” he said during a press briefing.

Logico said the presence of PLAN ships did not disturb the exercise.

Balikatan’s first multilateral maritime exercise was in Palawan waters from April 25 to 29.

Participants include the Philippine Navy’s offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), the US Navy’s landing ship dock USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49), and the French Navy’s FS Vendemiaire (FFH-734), a Floreal-class frigate.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that China’s navy might someday disrupt the naval activities of Balikatan 2024? Do you think there could be a lot of spies among the Chinese nationals living here in 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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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 @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Chinese national wanted for cyber fraud arrested at airport

May 14, 2024May 2, 2024carlocarrasco

In recent times, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it apprehended a wanted Chinese national at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The suspect is wanted for involvement in cyber fraud.

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

A Chinese passenger who is on the wanted list of foreigners for involvement in cyber fraud was recently arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Wednesday.

Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the passenger as 28-year-old Qin Xingye, who was intercepted at the NAIA Terminal 3 last April 28 before he could board an Air Asia flight to Hong Kong.

The foreigner was reportedly arrested after his name prompted a hit in the bureau’s derogatory check after presenting himself for clearance at the immigration departure counter.

“He was referred by the immigration officer to his supervisors who verified his identity and later confirmed that the passenger and the person in the bureau’s derogatory list are one and the same,” Tansingco said in a statement.

The derogatory hit showed that he was placed on the immigration blacklist for being an undesirable alien and for overstaying and illegally working in the country.

The BI’s Border Control and Intelligence Unit (BCIU) reported that the passenger was previously charged for engaging in cyber fraud activities and for working without a permit.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is doing a good job apprehending wanted foreigners?

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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Bureau of Immigration (BI) says tighter visa rules for Chinese tourists to help ensure national security

May 13, 2024May 12, 2024carlocarrasco

The government here in the Philippines are trying to balance the nation’s need of security and the gains from attracting foreign tourists. Specifically speaking, the spotlight is currently on the handling of visa requirements from Chinese tourists as the Bureau of Immigration (BI) made clear the need to help ensure national security, according to a GMA Network news report.

The BI responded to the statement of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese nationals could harm the nation’s tourism as well as the businesses connected with tourist activities. Take note that criminal/illegal activities involving Chinese nationals happened many times here in the Philippines (click here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here).

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Sunday that tightening the visa requirements for Chinese tourists would also help the Philippines protect national security, considering the illegal activities involving Chinese nationals.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval explained that while tourism is very important to the Philippine economy, the government also needs to implement stricter measures to protect public interest.

“We also have to look into the national security issue, the safety of the country. Kung merong mga ilegal na ginagawa [if there are illegal activities], I think it’s also important to have strict measures kung may nakikita na tayo na kakaibang nangyayari [if we see anything different happening] or mga activities that are probably inimical to national security or public interest,” she said.

Sandoval made the remark in reaction to the statement of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese nationals visiting the Philippines could “discourage tourism and hurt businesses.”

She said that the BI has always been strict in inspecting arriving foreign nationals, particularly those involved in illegal activities.

Several Chinese nationals have reportedly been involved in organized crimes such as human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, and fraud. Some of them were also linked illegally working for a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

This prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to tighten the Philippines’ visa requirements for Chinese tourists amid a high number of fraudulent applications received in its embassy and consulates in China.

The DFA, however, ruled out ongoing tensions with China in disputed areas in the South China Sea as the reason for imposing more stringent visa measures for Chinese visitors.

Sandoval welcomed this development, saying it would add a layer of security in the Bureau of Immigration’s assessment of foreign nationals entering the Philippines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese visitors could hurt Philippine tourism? Do you think that Chinese tourists could not behave themselves while they are in the country? Do you want visa rules on all Chinese visitors be tightened for the long-term? Did a Chinese national cause trouble in your local community lately?

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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Four POGO workers arrested in Parañaque City over illegal detention

May 8, 2024April 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested four employees of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) and charged them for illegal detention and grave coercion, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspects were all foreigners.

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

Police arrested four Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers during a rescue operation in Parañaque City on Thursday, April 25.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said Parañaque City police chief Col. Reycon Garduque reported the arrest of the suspects identified alias Wu, 29; alias Fan, 30; alias Liu, 31; and alias Xueyu, 33.

Garduque said the suspects were nabbed at around 6:30 p.m. in Merville Park, Barangay Merville, Parañaque City.

The operatives rescued the victim, identified as alias Zhang, 35, also a Chinese national, who was reportedly detained by the suspects.

Prior to the operation, the victim’s common-law wife, Jenny Rose, requested for police assistance claiming the victim was threatened and illegally detained by the suspects.

She said the suspects offered the victim a job. When the victim realized that the job was illegal, he tried to leave but was prevented by the suspects.

The suspects reportedly detained the victim and demanded P500,000 in ransom money from his relatives and family.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the city still has lots of foreigners secretly committing acts of crime? Are there still lots of POGOs in the city operating? Are there many Chinese nationals living in your local community right now? Do you think that POGOs in Parañaque could be used by mainland China for secret spying operations in the country in relation to the Philippines-China conflict in the West Philippine Sea?

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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Chinese nationals – including a fugitive – arrested in Parañaque and Mandaue

May 7, 2024April 24, 2024carlocarrasco

In separate operations, agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested two Chinese nationals in the cities of Parañaque and Mandaue, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. One of them is wanted in China for contract fraud.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday said two Chinese nationals recently arrested in Cebu province and Parañaque City are now awaiting deportation.

Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified them as Zhu Yuanjiang, 25; and Ma MIngjie, 51, who were arrested last week in separate operations of the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU).

Both are now detained at the BI detention facility at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City while awaiting deportation.

Zhu was arrested on April 17 in Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City after the BI board of commissioners issued a warrant of deportation against him last year.

He was ordered deported for overstaying and for working in the country without proper permits.

Investigation showed that Zhu previously worked in Xinchuang Network Technology Inc., an online gaming hub in Pasay City that was raided by authorities in June last year for alleged engagement in various criminal activities such as human trafficking and cyber fraud.

Meanwhile, Ma was nabbed on April 19 at his residence in a subdivision in Parañaque City. He is wanted by Chinese authorities for contract fraud.

Ma has a warrant of arrest from the Jiangbei district sub-bureau of the Public Security Bureau in Chongqing, China issued on Dec. 6, 2017.

Chinese authorities alleged that Ma and his cohorts deliberately tampered with bank accounts and account names of a point of sale machine merchant which resulted in the unauthorized transfer of over 58 million yuan (more than USD8 million) from China Minsheng Banking Corporation to his altered bank account.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more Chinese criminals or fugitives living in your local community right 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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Balikatan (US-Philippines joint military exercise) set to start on April 22, 2024

April 2, 2024April 1, 2024carlocarrasco

Balikatan, the annual joint military exercise of the Philippines and the United States of America, will officially begin on April 22 and last until May 10, 2024 with the participation of at least sixteen thousand troops, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. This year’s edition of Balikatan includes activities that will take place outside of the territorial waters of the Philippines.

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

The 39th iteration of “Balikatan” Exercise (BK39-2024), an annual military drill between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States Armed Forces, will be held on April 22 to May 10 and at least 16,000 troops from both countries are expected to take part in it.

Col. Michael G. Logico, the exercise executive agent for BK39-2024, said that American troops and their support groups have already started arriving in the country for the war games.

For this year’s Balikatan Exercise, there will be 11,000 American troops and 5,000 Filipino personnel that will be joining in an array of military drills.

“Starting April 1, we will begin with our information warfare exercise that will be held here in Camp Aguinaldo. Officially, that is still part of Balikatan but it will happen before the opening ceremony. The reason why is because we will use the venue for the information warfare exercise for other events in Balikatan,” Logico said on Wednesday, March 20.

Contingents from other countries will also be joining including 150 troops from Australia, and an undetermined number of military personnel and a frigate from France. Fourteen nations will also deploy contingents as observers to the exercise, including 150 personnel from Japan.

A sinking exercise will also be conducted where participants will have to coordinate their movements to test the interoperability of their weapons systems in sinking a mock enemy ship.

For this exercise, the AFP and US Armed Forces will try to send the former BRP Caliraya (AF-81) to the bottom of the ocean off the coast of Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

BRP Caliraya, a Philippine Navy ship that was decommissioned in 2020, was supposed to be sunk in a sinking exercise during the Marine Aviation Support Activity (Masa) 2023 between the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and US Marine Corps off San Antonio, Zambales in July 2023 but it ran aground off Morong, Bataan while being towed.

Group Sail – Aside from that, Logico said that for the first time, there will be activities that will be held outside the country’s territorial waters, including a group sail with the participating countries in the West Philippine Sea and its nearby maritime area.

“They will be moving from Point A to Point B. We will be utilizing the western side of Palawan , extending beyond our 12 nautical miles so this is also a new thing that we are [doing]. We’ve done group sails before but this time, we will [be] going beyond our 12 nautical mile limitation. In previous exercises, we’ve been limited to just 12 nautical miles, now we are encouraging or we are venturing outwards, beyond that,” Logico explained.

The participants for the group sail include the Philippine Navy, US Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, US Coast Guard, and French Navy. The participants will conduct a combination of division tactics to test their interoperability at sea including search and rescue; visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercises; gunnery exercises, and well deck operations among others.

“When you are talking beyond 12 nautical miles, that is already international waters so France’s presence is easily justified. They are exercising FONOPS [freedom of navigation operations] but they are incorporating themselves into the group sail and then it just so happened that they are performing communications exercises, division tactics exercises,” Logico added.

The group sail between the Philippines, United States, and France is expected to raise the eyebrow of China, which has maintained a strong presence in the South China Sea to protect its claims.

However, Logico said the exercise is part of the Philippines’ right and the AFP is unfazed by any challenges that would be posed by China. He said the AFP wants to send a message through the group sail that it is serious about defending the Philippines’ territory and it has allies to help them achieve their goals.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think the war games between the Philippines and the US will inspire Filipinos to defend their nation? What kind of reaction do you think China will come up with towards the US-Philippines war games?

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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Two wanted foreigners apprehended by immigration officials at airport

February 12, 2024February 4, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), two foreigners who were tagged as wanted for crime got arrested by immigration officers in separate occasions before they could leave the country, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Two foreign fugitives wanted in their countries for ciminal offenses have been arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) before they could take their flights abroad.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the two fugitives as Chinese national Zhao Yaxin, 33, and Moroccan national Badr Ettachi, 32.

“They will undergo deportation proceedings as a consequence of their status as fugitives from justice and afterwards we will expel and ban them perpetually from re-entering the Philippines for being undesirable aliens,” Tansingco said in a statement issued on Sunday, Feb. 4.

Zhao and Ettachi are now detained at the BI’s Warden Facility located in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, he said.

Citing reports from the BI’s Border Control and Intelligence Unit (BI-BCIU), Tansingco said that Zhao and Ettachi were separately intercepted by immigration officers at NAIA Terminal 3 last Jan. 27 and 28, respectively.

He said that Zhao, who was to depart for Guanzhou, China, is “one of 34 Chinese nationals whose deportation was sought by the Chinese government due to their involvement in illegal online gaming operations.”

“A warrant of detention was reportedly issued against Zhao and his cohorts by the Chanqing Hechuan distict public security bureau in China,” the BI said.

In the case of Ettachi, the BI said the Moroccan was “accused of pocketing US$60,000 intended for the salaries of seafarers and workers of a shipping vessel that was entrusted to him for delivery by a friend of the owner of the firm responsible for disbursing the said payroll money.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BI is doing a good job intercepting undesirable foreigners?

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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Local analysts say Philippine tourism’s recovery is still lacking

February 10, 2024February 4, 2024carlocarrasco

As far as the chief economists of the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and China Banking Corp. are concerned, the recovery of Philippine tourism is still lacking and a lot more needs to be done which includes relying on tourists from China, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE RECOVERY of the tourism market lags the rest of the region due to infrastructure constraints and the slow rebound of visitor arrivals from China, analysts said.

Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the Philippines’ tourism performance was lagging even before the pandemic.

“There has been a lot of catching up since the pandemic and also even before the pandemic with other ASEAN or Asian neighboring countries,” Mr. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

“This is largely due to infrastructure constraints that limit the capacity of airports and accommodation and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, & exhibitions) facilities to cater to a much larger number of foreign tourists,” he added.

In 2023, the Philippines logged 5.4 million international visitors which is only 65% of the 8.24 million foreign arrivals seen in 2019, but at par with the 65% average within Asia and the Pacific.

Mr. Ricafort said upgrades are needed to airports, particularly the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which will share future traffic to and from the capital with the Bulacan and Sangley airports.

“There is a need as well as for integrated tour packages that will be cheaper and more convenient to attract more foreign tourists,” he said.

“There is also a need for more mass transport systems such as railways that are integrated into major airports to make it more convenient for local and foreign tourists to travel,” he added.

China Banking Corp. Chief Economist Domini S. Velasquez said slow growth can be attributed to geographical constraints and absence of Chinese tourists.

“The Philippines lags behind its other ASEAN neighbors in terms of tourist arrivals, which can be attributed partly to geographical constraints, as the country cannot be accessed by land,” Ms. Velasquez said in a Viber message.

“However, another factor contributing to the below-target numbers, especially during the pandemic, is the absence of Chinese tourists,” she added.

Before the pandemic, China was the country’s second top source of international arrivals after South Korea. However, China only ranked fifth last year.

South Korea remained the top source of international visitors accounting for 26.41%, followed by the US (16.57%), Japan (5.61%), Australia (4.89%), and China (4.84 %).

“The sluggish growth and high unemployment in China have hindered the phenomenon known as “revenge travel,” wherein Chinese tourists typically exhibit strong travel demand. As a result, the expected influx of Chinese tourists has been limited,” Ms. Velasquez said.

Mr. Ricafort said the Philippines has strong potential in further growing the tourism economy with much room to improve in many elements of the product offering.

“The tourism business is low-hanging fruit that can generate more business, employment, and other economic activities as a major source of growth or a bright spot for the economy,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the analysts’ findings as to why Philippine tourism is still lacking and what should be done to improve it? Do you think the Department of Tourism (DOT) should focus more on attracting tourists from other nations instead of depending so much on China? What do you think are the five biggest problems of Philippine tourism right now? Do you think the DOT should be more active in promoting local film festivals, fashion shows, sports events and food tours to foreigners?

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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Chinese nationals arrested by immigration officials for visa violations

February 9, 2024February 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the province, agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested three Chinese nationals for visa-related violations, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday reported the recent arrest of three foreigners in Ligao City, Albay for visa violations.

In a statement, BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the case originated from the information from the Bureau’s Legazpi District Office against Chinese nationals Li Xiaodong, Shi Jiazhu, and Shi Yushuang, who were arrested last Jan. 24 for violating the limitations and conditions of their visas.

Verification of their records revealed that the foreigners, who initially underwent biometrics scanning for health reasons, were actually employed in different Metro Manila companies, which is clear violation of their visa limitations.

The foreigners were found by the intelligence agents to be working at a hardware and merchandise companies despite their visas.

“Our intelligence efforts, combined with effective operations, ensure that visa violators are identified and apprehended promptly. This operation underscores the importance of strict adherence to visa conditions,” Manahan said.

The three were transported to the BI Main Office in Intramuros in Manila for proper booking procedures, medical examinations, and legal disposition.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be even more Chinese nationals here in the Philippines engaging in illegal activities? Are happy that immigration officials arrested the foreigners for violating their visa limitations and conditions?

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 attracts 5.45 million international visitors and generates P482.54 billion in revenue in 2023

January 5, 2024January 2, 2024carlocarrasco

The success of the Philippines attracting visitors from overseas and generating the related revenue in 2023 has finally been confirmed by the newly released numbers from the Department of Tourism (DOT): 5,450,557 international visitors and P482.54 billion (US$8.7 billion according to the foreign exchange rate of January 2, 2024) in tourism revenue, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

For the newcomers reading this, the final 2023 statistics exceeded the declared targets of 4.8 million international tourists and US$5.8 billion revenue. For further comparison, the Philippines attracted 2.65 million international arrivals and over P200 billion in revenue for the year 2022. To say the least, 2023 is undeniably a successful year for Philippine tourism and it seems that the controversial blunder behind the “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign did not lead to a massive failure (which the enemies and haters of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., have been dreaming of).

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

The Philippines welcomed a total of 5,450,557 international visitors in 2023, well above the 4.8 million target arrivals the Department of Tourism (DOT) earlier set for the entire year.

Of this number, 91.80 percent or 5,003,475 are foreigners while the remaining are 447,082 overseas Filipinos.

From January to Dec. 31, 2023, the country also generated an estimated PHP482.54 billion in international tourism revenue, more than double the receipts it recorded in 2022.

“My deepest appreciation goes to every tourism stakeholder, collaborative partner, and passionate contributor who propelled our shared aspirations forward. Under President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s guiding vision and leadership, tourism has become a pivotal force driving our nation’s economic resurgence,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said in a statement Tuesday.

“These numbers speak very well of the performance of the tourism industry under the Marcos Administration,” she added.

She said the DOT will continue its work to “realize the vision of this administration to make tourism a catalyst for economic growth and resurgence.”

More than a quarter or 1,439,336 of the arrivals came from South Korea, retaining its spot as the country’s main source of international visitors.

This was followed by the United States with 903,299 tourists (16.57 percent) visiting the country; Japan with 305,580 (5.61 percent); Australia with 266,551 (4.89 percent); and China with 263,836 (4.84 percent). Ranking sixth was Canada followed by Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Frasco said the 2023 visitor receipts also show that the tourism industry is “recovering faster than expected.”

The country’s 2023 international tourism receipts grew by 124.87 percent compared with the PHP214.58 billion estimated visitor receipts from 2022.

Before the pandemic in 2019, the DOT recorded PHP482.15 billion in international tourism receipts.

In 2023, the DOT’s marketing arm the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) generated PHP6.317 billion in total sales leads both from international and local business-to-business and promotional events.

While reintroducing Filipino destinations before the global tourism arena, the Philippines represented by Frasco last year was also elected Vice President of the 25th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a prestigious global position last held by the country more than two decades ago.

She was also elected as chair of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific, allowing the country to host the Joint Regional Meetings of the Committee for East Asia and the Pacific and South Asia in Cebu in 2024.

The Philippines in 2023 bagged at least 15 travel and tourism honors from prestigious award-giving bodies in diving, beach, cruise, culinary, retirement, and Muslim-friendly tourism, “a testament that the Philippines is indeed an emerging tourism powerhouse.”

“The extraordinary journey of Philippine tourism in 2023 saw the world express its love for the Philippines with our country’s rise to global prominence as the World’s Leading Beach and Dive Destination, and Asia’s Best Cruise Destination, among many other accolades,” Frasco said.

“The indomitable spirit of the Filipino has been globally acclaimed with the Philippines receiving the Global Tourism Resilience Award with our country seen as a benchmark for innovation amidst trials and challenges,” she added.

By 2024, the DOT targets 7.7 million international visitors, around 500,000 lower than the country’s pre-pandemic arrivals of 8.2 million.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will be able to meet its declared 2024 target of 7.7 million international visitors and possibly generate between P600 billion to P700 billion in tourism revenue? Did anyone from the haters/critics of President Marcos and Secretary Frasco bother you to make you believe that Philippine tourism will fail because of the “Love the Philippines” campaign blunder that was so widely reported in the mainstream news media?

Going back to tourism, do you think the Philippines should have more international-level fashion shows, film festivals, worship conferences, food festivals, sports events and trade shows to make the nation more attractive to visitors from overseas?

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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