The Philippines welcomed some 2,000 educators from across Southeast Asia and Korea as the 39th ASEAN Council of Teachers + Korea (ACT+1) Convention opened recently at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, guest of honor and keynote speaker, bannered the Marcos Administration’s commitment to advancing education and tourism as transformative partners for inclusive development.
“What we teach, what we share, and what we preserve today define the destiny of our children tomorrow.”
“May this ACT+1 Convention not only strengthen collaboration among ASEAN teachers but also allow you to experience the beauty, history, and hospitality that make our islands truly unique. For in truth, the work of teachers and the promise of tourism spring from the same hope: to open doors, to build bridges, and to shape a better future for all. What we teach, what we share, and what we preserve today define the destiny of our children tomorrow,” Frasco said in her keynote address, paying tribute to ASEAN’s educators.
She emphasized that both education and tourism are transformative forces that expand horizons, foster curiosity, and cultivate respect for diversity.
“Just as teachers open minds to knowledge, tourism opens hearts to understanding.”
“Just as teachers open minds to knowledge, tourism opens hearts to understanding,” the tourism chief declared.
The tourism head highlighted the Department’s trifocal approach in convergence with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), alongside private sector partners. This alignment of training and upskilling with ASEAN standards ensures globally competitive human capital for the tourism sector. Programs such as the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE), skills development initiatives with TESDA, and higher education linkages with CHED exemplify how tourism and education jointly elevate service quality while sustaining Filipino cultural identity.
She outlined the Philippines’ vision for education tourism. With a ten-year Education Tourism Roadmap underway, the country aims to position itself as Asia’s leading destination for international students, researchers, and knowledge-seekers.
Frasco likewise cited English as a Second Language (ESL) as a particular strength, noting that thousands already come to the Philippines yearly to study English, drawn by quality instruction, affordability, and the cultural immersion of living among Filipinos.
“The vision of our President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is clear: to create environments where learning is enriched by culture, where classrooms extend into communities, and where education and tourism together build deeper friendships among nations,” said Frasco, herself a former law professor.
She underscored tourism’s impact as one of the strongest pillars of the national economy, generating ₱3.86 trillion in internal tourism expenditure in 2024, accounting for 8.9% of GDP, and providing direct and indirect employment to over 16 million Filipinos.
As host of this year’s convention, Cebu offered delegates a vibrant showcase of the Philippines’ tourism and culture. Known as both a cradle of faith and resilience and a hub of modern growth, Cebu blends centuries-old heritage landmarks with thriving creative industries and bustling urban development. Delegates were introduced to its renowned gastronomy, highlighted by the world-famous lechon and puso (hanging rice), its pristine island getaways and dive spots, and its colorful traditions that continue to enrich the province’s cultural identity.
The ACT+1 Convention, hosted by the Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA) with the theme “Educators: Humanizing Education Amidst Rapidly Changing Landscapes,” is the third to be held in the Philippines, and was highlighted by cultural performances supported by the DOT, the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines and DOT Region VII.
Among the distinguished attendees were DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, represented by Undersecretary Wilfred Cabral; PPSTA President Dr. Gilbert T. Sadsad; DepEd Region VII Regional Director Salustiano T. Jimenez; DOT Undersecretaries Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Ferdinand Jumapao; Assistant Secretary Christine Joy Cari; Director Alven Talisic; DOT Region VII Regional Director Judy Dela Cruz Gabato; and Assistant Regional Director Dr. Gelena Asis-Dimpas.
They joined members of the PPSTA Board, ASEAN Council of Teachers country leaders, and hundreds of educators and delegates from seven ASEAN nations and Korea.
