In a bid to foster inclusive and resilient tourism infrastructure development at the local level, the Department of Tourism (DOT) officially launched the second cycle of its Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) program.
The TCC, a nationwide infrastructure proposal competition of the DOT, supports the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to empower local governments and strengthen the tourism sector through strategic infrastructure investment and grassroots development.
“We devised this program that takes a bottoms-up approach to tourism development, and ensures that tourism and development in the country is not only transformative, but also and importantly, inclusive, resilient and equitable.”
“More often than not, the vision (of local government units) is not backed by enough funds. That is why coming into the fold of the Department of Tourism, and in partnership with TIEZA – Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, we devised this program that takes a bottoms-up approach to tourism development, and ensures that tourism and develop in the country is not only transformative, but also and importantly, inclusive, resilient and equitable,” Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said during a media briefing held at The Peninsula Manila.
Now on its second cycle, the TCC will select a total of 21 local government units (LGUs), comprising provinces, cities, and municipalities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to receive funding for high-impact tourism infrastructure projects.
Municipalities stand to receive ₱15 million each, while cities and provinces will be granted ₱18 million each.
Municipalities stand to receive ₱15 million each, while cities and provinces will be granted ₱18 million each, with performance-based incentives of up to ₱6 million. The deadline for the submission of TCC proposals is on October 15, 2025.
In its first cycle, 15 LGUs were awarded grants for initiatives such as eco-parks, cultural heritage centers, marine facilities, and community-based tourism facilities. These projects are envisioned to boost economic activity and tourist arrivals in emerging areas outside traditional hotspots.
Frasco personally led the groundbreaking ceremonies of five TCC-winning projects in Bolinao, Pangasinan; Panay, Capiz; Victorias City, Negros Occidental; Silago, Southern Leyte; and San Jose, Romblon.
“It is our sincere hope that by way of continuing this (TCC) program, which has been very well received by our LGUs all over the country, that tourism development can truly be felt in the farthest corners of our country,” she stressed.
To ensure broad participation, the DOT has already mounted TCC Regional Orientations to apprise local and provincial tourism officers of the project, with sessions conducted in all regions engaging 71 provinces, 78 cities, and 588 municipalities.
LGUs may coordinate with their respective DOT Regional Offices or contact the TCC Secretariat at (02) 8459-5200 local 318 or via email at pmcd@tourism.gov.ph for application procedures and eligibility requirements.
