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The Department of Tourism (DoT) unveiled two distinct collaborations on Tuesday, aimed at fostering the advancement of local merchants and endorsing regional destinations.<\/p>\n
Through the agency\u2019s alliance with TikTok, tourism micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will partake in a one-day workshop or \u201cinstructional sessions\u201d centered on leveraging the platform\u2019s features to enhance their revenue and broaden their market.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe advantage of this collaboration is its alignment with the platform\u2019s and (DoT\u2019s) goals. TikTok\u2019s global reach complements the objectives of Philippine tourism, which aspires to benefit the entire country,\u201d Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina G. Frasco communicated to journalists at the event.<\/p>\n
As per TikTok Philippines Public Policy Head Yves P. Gonzalez, the initiative will incorporate a three-module \u201cContent Camp\u201d addressing themes related to content creation, live selling, and advertising.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur aim here is to assist the MSMEs, particularly those who have yet to utilize the platform, while elevating those who are already familiar with it,\u201d Mr. Gonzales remarked. \u201cIt\u2019s truly about empowering them with digital abilities to enable them to advance.\u201d<\/p>\n
The tourism executive remarked that the initiative will be trialed in Metro Manila and Cebu in November, intending to aid small hotels, eateries, souvenir shops, travel agencies, and tourism associations.<\/p>\n
\u201cI particularly pointed out Cebu, where the tourism sector in the north has been severely affected by the recent earthquakes,\u201d she noted. \u201cHence, they are among the groups we aim to support through our partnership with TikTok.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s bear in mind that a multitude of individuals are using TikTok. It\u2019s a highly favored platform. Therefore, the Department of Tourism is eager to assist as many tourism stakeholders as feasible,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
The initial cohort of the TikTok training program will be available to at least 50 DoT-accredited enterprises in a hybrid format. Other interested parties may express their intent to participate via the agency\u2019s regional offices.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur TikTok team and the central office will compile the names of those recommended by the regional office, and we will have that list,\u201d DoT Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin stated.<\/p>\n
The DoT previously indicated that roughly 1,200 tourism employees in Cebu were displaced due to the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit the province on September 30.<\/p>\n
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has also extended its assistance to over a thousand affected employees by designating P11 million for the TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged\/Displaced Workers) initiative.<\/p>\n
IBP COLLABORATION \u201cTheir jurisdiction is national, not limited to their conventions but also in managing cases in courts throughout the country,\u201d Ms. Frasco mentioned to reporters. \u201cThus, it creates a consistent income stream for our local tourism destinations.\u201d<\/p>\n The IBP privilege card provides discounts and exclusive rates at DOT-accredited establishments, including hotels, resorts, travel services, and tour providers.<\/p>\n The IBP National Director and Chairman Allan G. Panolong noted that approximately 48,000 lawyers in good standing could register for the IBP privilege card.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they have not settled their membership fees, lawyers are ineligible for the program,\u201d Mr. Panolong explained. \u201cWe provide the names to the Department of Tourism to ensure only qualified lawyers can participate.\u201d<\/p>\n The Tourism chief emphasized that one of the considerations for the collaboration is the travel habits of lawyers. \u201cWhen they travel, it\u2019s not only themselves; they also bring their families along.\u201d<\/p>\n By traveling with their families, Ms. Frasco highlighted how lawyers significantly contribute to domestic tourism spending and related stakeholders.<\/p>\n \u201cThey don\u2019t merely stay overnight; they tend to remain for several days. Their hotel accommodations and airline fares contribute, as do the ancillary services – such as dining, transportation, shopping, and souvenirs,\u201d she elaborated.<\/p>\n \u201cThe ongoing influx of lawyers, members of the IBP, traveling nationally invigorates our local economies,\u201d she remarked.<\/p>\n In addition to the privilege card, IBP will also provide free legal consultations, training, and representation to eligible DoT-accredited individuals and businesses to protect tourism workers and companies during disputes and emergencies.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>In a separate alliance with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the DoT introduced a privilege card for lawyers maintaining \u201cgood standing\u201d to promote local travel and tourism expenditures.<\/p>\n