PSAC Tourism Highlights PBBM’s Push for Industry-Driven Skills Training
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered a study on seamless e-visa transactions for Indian nationals to boost tourism during the 6th PSAC Tourism meeting at Malacañan Palace on July 3, 2024 (photo from PCO)
The Private Sector Advisory Council for Tourism (PSAC-Tourism) is excited about President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s (PBBM) recent initiatives to boost tourism in the Philippines. A key focus is on expediting industry-specific training programs to equip individuals with the skills needed for immediate employment in tourism-related jobs.
Filinvest Development Corporation President and CEO Joji Gotianun Yap noted the existing foundation within the industry: “Eighty percent of our tourism workforce holds TESDA certifications. We should build on this by further increasing these certifications, with the private sector identifying the specific skills required.”
PBBM emphasized the role of industry in shaping these training efforts. “The private sector should guide us on the exact skills needed,” he stated.
Chairman Popoy de Vera of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) elaborated on the strategic approach to tourism and hospitality education. “We have numerous institutions offering four-year degrees in Tourism and Hospitality Management. By allowing top schools to run these programs, we ensure quality and meet current needs. TESDA certifications can now be credited towards these degrees, providing students with a flexible pathway,” de Vera explained.
PBBM highlighted the importance of short-term courses. “Short courses enable people to get jobs quickly. Well-trained individuals are rapidly employed,” he added.
PSAC-Tourism is confident that these initiatives will position the Philippines as a prime destination for tourists, enhance the quality of its tourism workforce, and drive economic growth.
Also, PSAC-Tourism is advocating for the issuance of nomad visas to attract long-term foreign visitors. Lucio C. Tan III stressed the urgency: “We need to issue nomad visas quickly to attract long-stay tourists. Other countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia are already benefiting from this approach.
PSAC-Tourism recommends an Executive Order (EO) be issued to implement nomad visas immediately without tax incentives, which can be added once the related bill is passed. PBBM supports this interim solution and has directed Office of the Executive Secretary to draft the EO and select a pilot country for the initiative.
