SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Ilocos Region is targeting five million tourists by 2028, focusing on infrastructure, cultural tourism, and workforce training to boost the region’s tourism industry.
To support this goal, P399 million has been allocated for 21 local government projects under the Tourism Roads Infrastructure Project (TRIP) from 2025 to 2026.
The DOT, in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), has already completed 52 road projects leading to major tourist spots like Pagudpud, Saud Beach, and Vigan City. Another 42 projects are ongoing to improve accessibility across the region.
The government is also prioritizing the establishment of Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs).
A TRA has been inaugurated in Saud Public Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, while another is under construction in Lingayen, Pangasinan, with more locations under evaluation.
Despite a drop in local government units (LGUs) reporting compliance to 53 percent from last year’s 62 percent, Ilocos recorded 1.85 million overnight guests in 2024 and saw an increase of P800-million in tourist expenditures.
DOT Ilocos Region Officer-in-Charge Evangeline Marie Dadat highlighted tourism’s impact on the economy.
“Tourism boosts revenue, strengthens the local economy, creates thousands of jobs, and fosters cultural exchange. Our mission is to spread these benefits across both private and public sectors,” Dadat said on March 4, during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas.
Cultural tourism remains a priority, with the launch of the Philippine Experience Program and Regional Historical Trail showcasing the region’s heritage.
Faith tourism circuits, focusing on historic churches and pilgrimage sites, are also being strengthened ahead of Holy Week.
Workforce training is a key part of the strategy, with 6,935 tourism workers trained in 2024 — a 19.5 percent increase from 2023.
By 2025, the DOT aims to train over 10,000 stakeholders in service excellence, tour guiding, and safety measures like lifeguard certification.
Programs like the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence and Community-Based Tourism Training are preparing workers to meet international standards.
The DOT Region 1 continues to work with local governments and stakeholders to ensure a resilient and sustainable tourism industry, promoting accessibility, cultural appreciation, and economic growth across Ilocos. (CCMT/AIHR, PIA Region 1)
