AGP Executive Report

Tourism Pulse: The Bureau of Immigration says tourist arrivals in the Philippines are inching up even in the lean season, with April rising from 1,337 to 1,358 and May from 1,299 to 1,309, and June also expected to climb; BI expects a plateau in Q3 before a year-end pickup. Travel Infrastructure: NAIA Terminal 3’s First Meridian Lounge is now a shared premium facility for at least seven airlines (Thai Airways, Emirates, JAL, Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific, KLM, Qatar), offering work, showers, family rooms, and more. Road Trip Boost: President Marcos inspected the Maharlika Highway rehab in Samar, targeting faster Tacloban–Catbalogan travel (about 3 hours down to 1 hr 45 mins) and improved mobility for people and goods. Events & Experiences: Subic Bay readies for a big weekend with the Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines and IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay, marking 10 years for 70.3 and 5 for the full-distance race. Local Mobility: Cebu rolls out “Tabang Pambyahe,” a provincially driven bus subsidy program to improve commuter service across Metro Cebu. OFW/Consular Help: The Philippine Embassy in UAE issued a June holiday advisory and listed hotlines for urgent assistance.

Road & Connectivity: President Marcos inspected the Maharlika Highway rehab in Samar, targeting faster travel between Tacloban and Catbalogan (down to about 45 minutes) and lower transport costs, with completion eyed for August. Public Transport Perk: MRT-3 will offer free rides on Independence Day (June 12) from 7–9 a.m. and 5–7 p.m. at all stations. Tourism Safety: El Nido’s Bacuit Bay is again flagged unsafe for swimming due to elevated coliform levels, with enforcement and warning signs in place. Environment Watch: Camiguin is investigating a ferry incident after video showed what appeared to be untreated sewage discharged into coastal waters. Travel Disruption Costs: Diesel prices may jump P4–P4.50 per liter next week amid oil supply worries tied to US-Iran tensions, while gasoline could dip slightly. Customs Reminder for Travelers: The Bureau of Customs denied any role in luggage-tag switching and urged passengers to photo luggage before check-in and stay alert. Business & Travel Economy: DTI reported business name registrations up 19.69% in May, with accommodation and food services among the top categories. MICE & Cebu: SMHCC named hospitality veteran Janytte Siega as GM for SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, set to be a major new events hub. Visa/Travel Policy: The US revoked former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s visas, per the Philippine ambassador.

Road & Rail Boost: President Marcos inspected the Maharlika Highway rehab in Samar, targeting a Tacloban–Catbalogan travel cut from 3 hours to 45 minutes by August, with a P16B-plus budget to improve logistics and access to services. Holiday Transit: MRT-3 will offer limited free rides on Independence Day (June 12) from 7–9am and 5–7pm at all stations. Airfare Deals: Cebu Pacific brings back its Independence Day Piso Sale (June 5–12) with fares from PHP 1 one-way for travel July 1–Oct 18, 2026. Tourism Safety Watch: El Nido officials warn Bacuit Bay is unsafe for swimming due to elevated coliform levels, after viral reports of murky drainage. Travel Tech & Comfort: NAIA Terminal 3 now has a shared First Meridian Lounge used by seven airlines, aiming to upgrade premium passenger experience. Eco & Community Tourism: Antique moves to set up a bird-watching area in Aningalan Experimental Forest to support conservation and ecotourism. Sports Tourism: Candon City hosts the AVC Women’s Cup, with the event staged to benefit the local community. Local Food/Agri Tourism: Cacao de Davao plans more partnerships with restaurants to spotlight Davao cacao and expand tourism-linked opportunities for farmers.

Aviation & Tourism: AirAsia Philippines says it has settled about ₱271.94M in CAAP obligations, averting a shutdown threat and keeping flights running while CAAP completes reconciliation. Travel Demand Watch: NAIA hit a record 4.96M passengers in January 2026, with international traffic up 8.16% y/y, as DOT targets 6.7M foreign arrivals for 2026. Connectivity for Visitors: Russia and Cebu are pushing for direct air links to boost Russian tourist arrivals and wider trade ties. Local Travel & Safety: DENR warned Siquijor resorts over illegal foreshore use, saying many lack proper permits; meanwhile LTFRB suspended 26 Victory Liner buses after a Benguet crash. Money for Travelers: BPI plans to enable outbound cross-border transfers via its mobile app using Visa Direct, with some destinations processed in seconds. Culture & Community: Capas, Tarlac schools get brand-new Philippine flags for National Flag Month.

Air Travel Watch: AirAsia Group denied reports that Philippines AirAsia flights were grounded, calling it a “smear campaign,” and said all Z2 flights remain operational as scheduled. Transport Safety: LTFRB suspended 26 Victory Liner buses after a May 30 Marcos Highway crash in Benguet that killed 1 and injured at least 95, with a show-cause order issued. Coastal Compliance: DENR urged Siquijor resort owners to comply with foreshore rules after finding many coastal resorts without approved documentation, warning of penalties. Tourism & Connectivity: Vietjet announced new Cebu–Ho Chi Minh City direct flights (from Dec 11, 2026) to boost PH-Vietnam travel and business links. Travel Deals: OceanJet cut temporary fuel surcharges on select Cebu–Bohol and Tagbilaran–Dumaguete fast-craft routes as fuel prices ease. Sports Tourism: Kyrgyzstan will send a 57-strong team to the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships in Manila on June 23. Culture & Faith: A replica of Our Lady of Guadalupe will kick off a monthslong PH pilgrimage starting June 13. Human Interest: Pageant veteran Imelda Schweighart revealed she suffered a miscarriage during MGI All Stars, thanking her partner for support.

Immigration & Border Fees: The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged the government to carefully review the proposed ₱240 immigration fee, saying it could dampen travel demand and business activity; Policy Clarification: Malacañang said the P240 traveler fee is still “under study” and may not be implemented; Maritime Safety: Lubang (Oriental Mindoro) ordered a no-sail policy from Wednesday to Friday due to Habagat-driven rough seas; Fishing Enforcement: Lawmakers and conservation groups pressed BFAR to release vessel monitoring data after satellite detections showed commercial fishing intrusions into municipal waters hit a five-year high; Aviation Update: AirAsia Philippines was hit with a CAAP cease-and-desist order over unpaid obligations of ₱271.94M, though the airline said flights remain scheduled; Tourism Costs: Alaminos approved higher motorboat rental rates for Hundred Islands tours, citing rising fuel and operating costs; Digital Payments: Visa and Garmin launched Garmin Pay in the Philippines for contactless smartwatch payments.

Tourism & MICE: Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay toured NUSTAR Resort Cebu, highlighting Cebu’s push as a top destination for international conferences and big events. Air Connectivity: VietJet will launch direct Cebu–Ho Chi Minh City flights starting December, with five weekly trips, as PH–Vietnam ties deepen. Travel Costs & Fees: Palace says the proposed P240 immigration fee for international travelers is still under study and not yet approved. Local Tourism Pricing: Alaminos City approved higher motorboat rental rates for Hundred Islands National Park tours, citing rising fuel and operating costs. Weather Advisory: Lubang (Oriental Mindoro) issued a no-sail policy for all sea vessels from Wednesday to Friday due to Habagat-driven rough seas. Maritime Safety: Three Cebu fishers were rescued after their banca capsized in rough conditions near Sambawan Island, Biliran. Policy & Travel Impact: Marcos urged senators to “get back to work,” warning Senate disarray could delay key laws amid the oil-price shock. Sports Tourism: Sparkle Run 2026 in Manila drew thousands, with major Kapuso stars joining the celebrity race.

Immigration & Fees: The Bureau of Immigration says the proposed P240 (one-way) or P480 (round-trip) traveler fee under the CAISS modernization project is still under review and not final, with Palace noting President Marcos has no position yet—so don’t panic for now. Travel Costs & Currency: MUFG warns the peso could slide to as high as ₱64.5 per US$ if the Middle East conflict re-escalates and oil prices jump, with “super” El Niño and a hawkish Fed adding pressure. Aviation & Tourism Demand: Despite a regional air-travel slowdown, the Philippines posted seat-capacity growth in May, helped by Cebu Pacific and strong domestic tourism demand. Tourism Development: DOT 7 is pushing Lapu-Lapu City as a creative tourism hub after the reopened Lapu-Lapu City Art Gallery and Cultural Hub. Transport Safety: LTFRB grounded 26 Victory Liner buses after a Benguet crash that killed a passenger and injured dozens. Bilateral Tourism/Connectivity: Philippines-Vietnam ties were upgraded to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, with more cooperation on defense, trade, ICT—and people-to-people links. Real Estate & Stays: Megaworld reported double-digit reservation sales growth in Q1, signaling resilient demand for residential projects.

Immigration & Fees: Malacañang says a proposed P240 (one-way) or P480 (round-trip) immigration fee for the BI’s CAISS border system is still “under study” and may not be implemented, after BI clarified it’s not yet approved and will undergo consultations on fairness, traveler benefits, and data safeguards. PH–Vietnam Tourism Boost: The Philippines and Vietnam upgraded ties to an “Enhanced Strategic Partnership” and signed a 2026–2029 tourism cooperation program to boost visitor flows, destination connectivity, and joint promotion, with direct flights expanding links. Transport Safety: LTFRB suspended 26 Victory Liner buses and issued a show-cause order after a Benguet crash killed one and injured about 90, while coordinating on insurance and medical checks for victims. Cultural Tourism: Lapu-Lapu City Art Gallery and Cultural Hub reopened June 1 under DOT’s cultural tourism push, aiming to spotlight local artists via exhibits, art markets, and workshops. Travel Industry Partnerships: Vinpearl signed MoUs with CAITO and Klook to expand resort, golf, MICE, and travel experiences for Filipino travelers across Southeast Asia. Community Travel Link: Cebu Pacific launched Brigada Eskwela 2026 with volunteers and donations for Last Mile Schools in Batangas, Cebu, and Davao del Norte.

Philippines–Vietnam Ties Boosted: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vietnamese President To Lam upgraded relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, sealing deals on defense, digital transformation, tourism, agriculture, and people-to-people links—plus expanded aviation connectivity via codeshare pacts between Philippine Airlines and Vietnam Airlines. South China Sea Stance: Manila and Hanoi reaffirmed support for the 2016 arbitral ruling and urged self-restraint to prevent escalation in disputed waters. Tourism & Travel Impact: A report warns Iran-war fuel and price pressures are already straining tourism-dependent Southeast Asia, with higher fares and flight disruptions hitting peak summer travel. Mt. Apo Access Rules: Mt. Apo Natural Park starts its annual three-month closure from June to August, banning trekking and camping to protect biodiversity and support rehabilitation. Local Travel Safety: The LTFRB suspended 26 Victory Liner buses after a Benguet crash that left one dead and dozens injured. Nature Watch: A green sea turtle was rescued and released in Cagayan after being accidentally caught in a fisher’s net. Sports Tourism: Bacolod deployed 369 cops for the FIBA U18 Women’s SEABA Qualifiers (June 2–6), aiming to strengthen the city’s sports tourism push.

PH–Vietnam Tourism Boost: The Philippines and Vietnam upgraded their decade-old Strategic Partnership to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s talks with Vietnamese leader To Lam, with a Tourism Cooperation Program for 2026–2029 signed to expand direct flights and lift visitor numbers. Direct Flights Ahead: Marcos said the pact targets more commercial flight frequencies as Filipino travel to Vietnam keeps rising. Travel Payments Made Easier: Mastercard launched “Phone. Passport. Mastercard.” across ASEAN (including the Philippines and Vietnam) with 300+ deals in dining, shopping, stays, transport and experiences. Connectivity for Bohol Tourism: Globe expanded 5G to Tagbilaran City, aiming to support tourism and improve digital access for residents and visitors. Weather Watch: Typhoon Domeng exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility, but PAGASA warned rains and thunderstorms will continue as Habagat strengthens. Road Safety Alert: LTFRB suspended 26 Victory Liner buses after a deadly Benguet crash involving two of its vehicles. Conservation Moment: A green sea turtle was released back into the sea in Buguey, Cagayan after being accidentally caught in a fisher’s net. Eastern Visayas Spotlight: DOT Region VIII’s OEVA awards will recognize people driving community progress across Eastern Visayas.

Rail Upgrade: DOTr clarified MRT-7 will run with 14 stations, including SJDM in Bulacan; 12 stations from Sacred Heart to North Avenue target operations by Q2 2027, while Tala and SJDM open in 2028, cutting trips from 2–3 hours to about 35 minutes. Volcano Watch: Mayon Volcano generated new pyroclastic density currents along the Mi-isi Gully; Alert Level 3 stays up and entry into the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone remains prohibited. Weather & Safety: Typhoon Domeng is set to exit the PAR, but it will keep pulling the habagat on the west side; PNP units are on high alert in Northern Luzon. Tourism & Nature: A green sea turtle returned to nest on Panglao’s Alona Beach, with eggs relocated to protect them from beach activity. Sports & Travel Events: World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura arrives for the inaugural WR Bughouse Championship in BGC, with 52 teams chasing a $100,000 prize pool. Local Mobility for Visitors: Baguio launched Project BLUE, adding blue lighting in public spaces to boost safety and emotional wellbeing for residents and tourists. Bilateral Tourism Angle: Vietnam President To Lam begins a two-day state visit to strengthen cooperation including tourism and people-to-people ties.

Philippine Travel Tech & Heritage: Google’s Search Day in Taguig invited Gen Z creators and students to test AI Search as a “travel bestie,” building country-themed itineraries around BGC. Wildlife in the City: A new UP Tacloban College study found Philippine tarsiers still survive in Tacloban’s forest patches despite urban sprawl, with nine encounters across three barangays. Tourism & New Sports: Caliraya Springs Golf Club in Laguna is set to launch the country’s first footgolf tournament on June 27, blending golf precision with football kicking. Travel Policy Watch: The BI’s proposed P480 immigration fee for a new border security system is projected to generate up to P14B in its first year, with most revenue earmarked for the private proponent. Air Travel & Connectivity: Philippine Airlines welcomed its second Airbus A350-1000 as fleet modernization continues, while PAL and Qantas expanded frequent-flier partnership access. Local Festivals: Cebu Mangoes Festival 2026 runs May 22–31, capped by a 10-foot mango cake at Mactan Expo and Megaworld’s The Mactan Newtown.

Tourism & Travel Policy: DOT and Mastercard expand support for tourism MSMEs, while a DOT-Mastercard pact pushes cashless upgrades for travelers. Air Travel Update: Philippine Airlines takes delivery of its second Airbus A350-1000, boosting long-haul comfort and efficiency. Airline Disruption: Royal Air Philippines goes into administration, cancelling flights and leaving thousands stranded. Connectivity & Regional Growth: Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda leads a multi-sector diagnosis of power and internet gaps in Antique and Aklan—key for tourism, schools, and small businesses. Halal Tourism: Davao hosts the 11th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo (June 3–5) with business matching and a Universal Halal Hub soft opening. Local Festivals: Cebu Mangoes Festival (May 22–31) spotlights the island’s mango heritage with a giant mango cake and culinary events. Travel Safety Watch: Online booking scams prompt summer travelers to stay alert. Sports & Travel: PNVF suspended by FIVB over governance concerns, affecting volleyball stakeholders and events.

Tourism Economy: PSA data shows tourism contributed 8.1% of GDP in 2025 (TDGVA P2.27T, down 1.4% YoY). Inbound spending slipped to P698.46B (-6.4%), while domestic rose to P3.26T (+3%) and outbound grew to P357.93B (+3.5%). Tourism jobs also expanded to 7.70M (+2.5%). DOT & Payments: The DOT and Mastercard are expanding support for tourism MSMEs with cashless and digital tools, citing P6.3M in sales from merchant activations and using spending analytics to steer visitors to underserved provinces. Travel Business: Jollibee opened its first airport store in Hong Kong (Terminal 2), adding kiosks and mobile ordering for travelers. Sports Tourism: The 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships set for June 23 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with entries expected to top 600 from around 31 countries. Local Holidays: Malacañang declared special non-working days in six areas in June for local anniversaries. Governance Watch: Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant and travel ban over the flood control graft case involving Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and Manuel Bonoan; Estrada posted P90,000 bail.

DOT x Mastercard Cashless Push: The Department of Tourism and Mastercard ink a three-year pact to help MSMEs go cashless, using SpendingPulse analytics to steer demand to underserved destinations; the partnership already generated ₱6.3M in small-business sales. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Domeng (Jangmi) slightly intensifies over the Philippine Sea (85 kph winds, gusts 105 kph) and is unlikely to directly hit in 24 hours, but it may boost the southwest monsoon with heavy rains starting May 31. Airfare Relief: The Civil Aeronautics Board cuts fuel surcharge to CAB Level 13 for June 1–15, lowering domestic and international add-on ranges. Sports Tourism Boost: Agusan del Sur kicks off Palarong Pambansa ’26 with a tech-driven, viral opening show, while Bislig City sees tourism lift from visitors to Tinuy-an Falls during the games. International Travel Perks: Qantas expands rewards access with Philippine Airlines, adding 15 island-hopping destinations via Manila. Local Travel Safety: A seafarer at NAIA was arrested for a bomb joke during boarding; authorities stress zero tolerance for such statements. Tourism Positioning: Asean chairmanship is framed as a chance to sell the Philippines’ “warmth and authenticity,” despite access hurdles and tough regional competition.