Manila: The Philippine government is leveraging the Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF) to enhance tourism education in the country, focusing on immersive experiences for both students and teachers. The Department of Tourism (DOT), alongside the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), has outlined new guidelines under a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) to ensure the transparent utilization of the HEDF.
According to Philippines News Agency, the funding, as stipulated under Section 10 of Republic Act 7722 or the Higher Education Act of 1994, will be sourced from various avenues. These include a 40 percent annual share of the total gross collections from the travel tax, a 30 percent annual share from professional registration fee collections, and 1 percent of the gross sales from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's lotto operations. TIEZA's contribution to the HEDF is retained only if priority is given to tourism-related educational programs by CHED.
The JAO aims to utilize the HEDF for constructing or improving tourism and hospitality facilities, purchasing industry-grade equipment, and funding career development and industry immersion programs for teachers and students. It also supports technological innovations, research and development, and start-up centers in tourism education. This collaboration between DOT, TIEZA, and CHED is designed to align tourism education with global industry demands.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco emphasized that the Marcos administration's mandate extends beyond tourism promotion to development. She highlighted the importance of using travel tax funds for education programs that increase opportunities in the tourism industry and economic benefits for local destinations. Frasco also underscored the commitment to tourism education, including scholarships, research, and faculty development programs tailored to global tourism trends.
CHED Chairperson J. Prospero De Vera III praised Secretary Frasco for her proactive efforts and noted the historic collaboration between CHED and DOT in developing the JAO. He emphasized the significance of the guidelines in supporting higher education institutions and aligning graduates with the tourism industry's standards and demands.
TIEZA assistant COO Karen Mae Sarinas-Baydo reported that TIEZA has contributed PHP17.3 billion to CHED over the past decade. She stressed that prioritizing tourism education is an investment in the nation's future, ensuring sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
The signing ceremony for the JAO took place at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila, marking a significant step in Philippine tourism education's advancement.
