current issues in tourism industry in the philippines

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism industry in the Philippines - statistics & facts

Domestic tourism leading the industry in times of uncertainty, outlook of the tourism industry, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Value of domestic tourism spending APAC 2022, by country

Value of international tourism spending APAC 2022, by country

Estimated online travel and tourism revenue Philippines 2023, by category

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Gross value added of the tourism industry Philippines 2019-2022, by type

Number of domestic tourism trips Philippines 2012-2021

Leisure Travel

International tourist arrivals Philippines 2012-2023

Recommended statistics

Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2022, by subregion
Basic Statistic Value of domestic tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
Basic Statistic Value of international tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's direct contribution to employment APAC 2022, by country
Premium Statistic Estimated online travel and tourism revenue Philippines 2023, by category

International tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2022, by subregion

Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide from 2019 to 2022, by subregion (in millions)

Value of domestic tourism expenditure in the Asia-Pacific region in 2022, by country or territory (in billion U.S. dollars)

Value of international tourism expenditure in the Asia-Pacific region in 2022, by country or territory (in billion U.S. dollars)

Travel and tourism's direct contribution to employment APAC 2022, by country

Direct contribution of travel and tourism to employment in the Asia-Pacific region in 2022, by country or territory (in millions)

Estimated revenue on online travel and tourism services in the Philippines in 2023, by category (in million U.S. dollars)

Economic impact

Premium Statistic Gross value added of the tourism industry Philippines 2019-2022, by type
Premium Statistic Share of tourism GDP Philippines 2012-2022
Premium Statistic Tourism industry growth rate Philippines 2018/19-2021/22, by sector
Premium Statistic Tourism receipts Philippines 2019-2022
Premium Statistic Tourism expenditures Philippines 2022, by travel type
Premium Statistic Tourism sector employment figures Philippines 2012-2022

Gross value added generated from the tourism industry in the Philippines from 2019 to 2022, by type (in billion Philippine pesos)

Share of tourism GDP Philippines 2012-2022

Share of direct gross value added of the tourism industry to the GDP of the Philippines from 2012 to 2022

Tourism industry growth rate Philippines 2018/19-2021/22, by sector

Annual growth rate of the gross value added generated from the tourism industry (GVATI) in the Philippines from 2018/19 to 2021/22, by sector

Tourism receipts Philippines 2019-2022

Tourism receipts in the Philippines from 2019 to 2022 (in billion Philippine pesos)

Tourism expenditures Philippines 2022, by travel type

Total value of tourism expenditures in the Philippines in 2022, by type of travel (in billion Philippine pesos)

Tourism sector employment figures Philippines 2012-2022

Total number of people employed in the tourism industry in the Philippines from 2012 to 2022 (in millions)

Inbound tourism

Basic Statistic International tourist arrivals Philippines 2012-2023
Premium Statistic Tourist arrivals Philippines 2023, by country of residence
Premium Statistic Expenditure value in inbound tourism Philippines 2021-2022, by type
Premium Statistic Number of inbound overnight tourists Philippines 2012-2021
Premium Statistic Average length of stay of inbound tourists Philippines 2012-2021

Total number of international tourist arrivals to the Philippines from 2012 to 2023 (in millions)

Tourist arrivals Philippines 2023, by country of residence

Leading source countries of foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines in 2023 (in 1,000s)

Expenditure value in inbound tourism Philippines 2021-2022, by type

Total value of expenditure in inbound tourism in the Philippines in 2021 and 2022, by type (in billion Philippine pesos)

Number of inbound overnight tourists Philippines 2012-2021

Number of inbound overnight visitors in the Philippines from 2012 to 2021

Average length of stay of inbound tourists Philippines 2012-2021

Average length of stay of inbound tourists in the Philippines from 2012 to 2021 (in days)

Domestic tourism

Premium Statistic Number of domestic tourism trips Philippines 2012-2021
Premium Statistic Domestic passenger count Philippines 2022, by airline
Premium Statistic Household expenditure share of domestic tourism spending Philippines 2012-2022
Premium Statistic Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2012-2022
Premium Statistic Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by product

Total number of domestic tourism trips in the Philippines from 2012 to 2021 (in 1,000s)

Domestic passenger count Philippines 2022, by airline

Number of domestic passengers in the Philippines in 2022, by airline (in millions)

Household expenditure share of domestic tourism spending Philippines 2012-2022

Domestic tourism expenditure as a share of household final consumption expenditure in the Philippines from 2012 to 2022

Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2012-2022

Total value of domestic tourism expenditures in the Philippines from 2012 to 2022 (in billion Philippine pesos)

Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by product

Total value of expenditure in domestic tourism in the Philippines from 2020 to 2022, by product (in billion Philippine pesos)

Outbound tourism

Premium Statistic Number of international tourist departures in the Philippines 2014-2029
Premium Statistic Outbound tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by segment
Premium Statistic Expenditures on accommodation services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
Premium Statistic Expenditures on food and beverage services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
Premium Statistic Expenditures on travel agency services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022

Number of international tourist departures in the Philippines 2014-2029

Number of international tourist departures in the Philippines from 2014 to 2029 (in millions)

Outbound tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by segment

Total value of expenditure in outbound tourism in the Philippines from 2020 to 2022, by segment (in billion Philippine pesos)

Expenditures on accommodation services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022

Value of expenditures on accommodation services for visitors in outbound tourism in the Philippines from 2012 to 2022 (in billion Philippine pesos)

Expenditures on food and beverage services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022

Value of expenditures on food and beverage serving services in outbound tourism in the Philippines from 2012 to 2022 (in billion Philippine pesos)

Expenditures on travel agency services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022

Value of expenditures on travel agencies and other reservation services in outbound tourism in the Philippines from 2012 to 2022 (in billion Philippine pesos)

Accommodation

Premium Statistic Overnight travelers Philippines 2022, by type
Premium Statistic Revenue of the hotels industry in the Philippines 2019-2028
Premium Statistic Average hotel room rates Metro Manila Philippines 2021-2023, by star classification
Premium Statistic Highest overnight room rates of hotels in Metro Manila, Philippines 2023, by city
Premium Statistic Revenue of the vacation rentals industry in the Philippines 2019-2028

Overnight travelers Philippines 2022, by type

Number of overnight travelers in the Philippines in 2022, by type (in millions)

Revenue of the hotels industry in the Philippines 2019-2028

Revenue of the hotels market in the Philippines from 2019 to 2028 (in million U.S. dollars)

Average hotel room rates Metro Manila Philippines 2021-2023, by star classification

Average room rates of hotels in Metro Manila in the Philippines from 2021 to 2023, by star classification (in U.S. dollars)

Highest overnight room rates of hotels in Metro Manila, Philippines 2023, by city

Maximum overnight room rate of hotels in Metro Manila in the Philippines as of June 2023, by city (in Philippine pesos)

Revenue of the vacation rentals industry in the Philippines 2019-2028

Revenue of the vacation rentals market in the Philippines from 2019 to 2028 (in million U.S. dollars)

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To Build Up Tourism, Philippines Loosens Pandemic Restrictions For Filipinos

Ashley Westerman

The tourism industry in the Philippines lost some $8 billion in 2020 because of the pandemic. Filipinos are being encouraged to travel domestically to try to restart a crucial sector of the economy.

NOEL KING, HOST:

Millions of people in the Philippines work in tourism, and it's a key part of that country's economy. But the pandemic obliterated the industry. In an attempt to revive it, the government is loosening restrictions and pushing Filipinos to travel domestically. Here's Ashley Westerman from Manila.

(SOUNDBITE OF KNOCKING)

KYRA CABAERO: Room check.

(SOUNDBITE OF KEYCARD BEEPING, DOOR OPENING)

ASHLEY WESTERMAN, BYLINE: At the Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila in Pasig, an upscale part of Manila, marketing director Kyra Cabaero shows me around one of the hotel's standard executive rooms.

CABAERO: We have a fully equipped kitchen already in the studio room. It comes with either a king size bed or two twin beds.

WESTERMAN: Crisp white sheets, a plush white couch, white tile floor - the room is pristine.

CABAERO: As you can see, it's actually quite bigger than regular hotel rooms.

WESTERMAN: There's also something a bit different about this room.

CABAERO: We now offer a QR code. So guests can just scan this, and this will connect them with everything about the hotel. So that's the hotel directory, the room service menu.

WESTERMAN: This is just one of the many COVID protocols the hotel has put in place in order for it to become one of a handful in the metro Manila area certified for staycation bookings.

CABAERO: We have already been inspected and audited and are following the standards for safety and health for DOT.

WESTERMAN: That's the Department of Tourism. Cabaero says the hotel has been impacted financially by COVID, so they jumped at the chance when it arose in May for visitors from within the national capital region bubble to book hotel rooms like these to get away while not getting too far away.

This staycation scheme is just one idea the Philippine government has put forth in an effort to restart the country's pandemic-shattered tourism industry. Pre-COVID, the industry made up more than 12% of the country's overall GDP. A large majority of that was domestic travel. In an email statement to NPR, the Department of Tourism says domestic travel will help restart the battered sector. But while the department says it's doing all it can for a safe reopening, many experts are not on board, even with staycations.

JOSHUA SAN PEDRO: There is still some relative risk, especially if we're talking about staycations by people who aren't from the same household.

WESTERMAN: That's Joshua San Pedro, a primary care provider in Manila. Even though the Philippines' case numbers have gone down after a huge spike in April and May, San Pedro says traveling outside of the home is still too risky. Earlier this month, the Philippines also started some domestic travel between provinces, most notably to some beach destinations like Boracay and Palawan. San Pedro says that adds even more risk.

SAN PEDRO: There's still a lot of cases in the provinces. Until maybe testing is better - and then second is really the vaccine rollout.

WESTERMAN: Which has been slow in the Philippines, with just about 2% of the population fully vaccinated to date. E.J. Fletchitero of Marikina City is not vaccinated and says he will not travel right now.

When do you think you will eventually travel?

E J FLETCHITERO: Maybe if we have all get the vaccines.

WESTERMAN: And not yet getting the jab isn't the only thing keeping him home. The 31-year-old cruise ship worker has also not worked in over a year.

FLETCHITERO: (Speaking Tagalog).

WESTERMAN: He says money's a bit tight right now to pay for a ticket or a hotel room.

Jerome Dagpulo, a food delivery driver, shares the sentiment.

JEROME DAGPULO: (Speaking Tagalog).

WESTERMAN: He says he's currently making about 700 pesos per day, the equivalent of $14 American, which he says is barely enough to just live on.

For NPR News, I'm Ashley Westerman in Manila.

(SOUNDBITE OF PORTICO QUARTET'S "RUINS")

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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Impact of COVID-19 on the Philippine Tourism industry

Introduction.

Without a doubt, the tourism industry is among the sectors that have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The closing of borders, airports, and hotels as well as restrictions on mass gatherings, land travel and related services across the world put around 100 to 120 million jobs at risk, as estimated by the World Tourism Organization.

In the first quarter of 2020, the period when the travel restrictions and lockdowns in most countries started, international tourist arrivals declined by 22% resulting in an estimated loss of US$80bn in global tourism receipts. In such period, 97 destinations have totally or partially closed their borders for tourists, 65 destinations have suspended international flights totally or partially, and 39 destinations were implementing the closing of borders (i.e., banning the arrivals from specific countries).

International tourist arrivals by region in Q1 2020

In the Philippines, the government closed the airports in Luzon on 20 March as part of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) that started in the island on 16 March. The tourism sector has already felt the negative impact of the pandemic on its performance much earlier. In other countries, travel restrictions and measures have started as early as January of this year, and have impacted the Philippine international tourist arrivals. Domestic tourists, on the other hand, also limited their travel for fear of contracting COVID-19. The Department of Tourism reported that international tourist receipts in the first quarter of the year declined to PHP85bn, 36% lower than the revenues in the same period last year.

To understand the impact of COVID-19 on the Philippine tourism industry, PwC Philippines, together with the Department of Tourism, surveyed 247 decision makers across the different subsectors in May 2020.

Forty-four percent of the respondents are from the tourism services sector (i.e., travel agencies, bookings, tours, etc.), and 34% are from the accommodations sector. According to the survey, 97% say that COVID-19 has the potential for significant impact on their business operations, and is causing them great concern. Such finding is not surprising given that only businesses related to essential services and products were the only enterprises allowed to operate during the ECQ. Because of the low demand and restrictions, majority of the respondents say that they temporarily stopped offering a service/product, reduced their level of operations, and reduced the employee headcount.

Over 70% of the respondents belong to the tourism services and accommodations subsectors

Tourism-related businesses have opted to temporarily stop offering their products/services during the ecq, either due to restrictions or low demand, impact of covid-19 outbreak on the philippine tourism industry.

Given the travel restrictions and closure of businesses, 88% of the respondents expect losses of over 50% of their 2020 revenues. Sixty-three percent of the respondents also say that they expect their businesses to normalize within six months to over a year. Such findings are worrying because the tourism industry contributed 12.7% of the country’s GDP in 2019, and provided 5.71 million jobs in the same year.

Globally, the World Travel and Tourism council estimated that it could take up to ten months for the industry to recover.

Nine months since the virus was first detected in China, there is still no sign that the spread is slowing down. The road to recovery can take longer than initially anticipated. Fitch forecasts that tourist arrivals and tourism receipts will not go back to pre-COVID levels even five years hence.

The country had a stellar performance in 2019 with 8.3 million tourist arrivals and PHP550.2bn in international tourism receipts. Latest estimates show that 2020 tourist arrivals and international tourism receipts will go down to 3.9 million and PHP279.5bn, respectively.

Note: f - forecast Source: Fitch

Recovering from the pandemic

To help recover from the pandemic, 78% of the respondents say that they need up to PHP5m in additional funding to help normalize their operations. Majority say that they need such funds for working capital requirements, marketing fund to rebuild their brands, and refinancing.

With 91% of the respondents coming from the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), it’s not surprising that 73% are planning to avail of government grants and subsidies to help revive their operations.

Many businesses are banking on government subsidies and grants as additional funding

Sources of funds to be obtained in the next 3 to 6 months, most businesses need funding to normalize their operations. it will be mainly used for working capital, and marketing and promotions. , around 78% need up to php5m in additional funding to normalize their operations after ecq, over 50% of the respondents plan to use their new funding to support working capital requirements, and rebuild their brand, mitigating the impact of covid-19.

To help businesses and individuals mitigate the impact of COVID-19, the country’s House of Representatives approved House Bill 6815 or the proposed Philippine Economic Stimulus Act (PESA) in June 2020. Once passed into law, an economic stimulus package amounting to PHP1.3 trillion will be provided in the next four years to fund the COVID-19 testing, wage subsidies, and assistance to MSMEs. Under the bill, PHP58bn will be appropriated to DOT-accredited tourism enterprises for the following programs:

Interest-free loans or issuance of loan guarantees with terms of up to five (5) years for maintenance and operating expenses
Credit facilities for upgrading, rehabilitation, or modernization of current establishments or facilities to be compliant with new health and safety standards
Marketing and product development promotions and programs
Grants for education training, and advising of tourism stakeholders for new normal alternative livelihood programs
Utilization of information technology
Other relevant programs, including infrastructure to mitigate the economic effects of COVID-19 on the tourism industry

Restarting the tourism sector

With the absence of revenues, majority of the respondents say that they can only sustain their operations for up to six months. Similarly, most of the respondents have a cash runway of up to six months.

How to restart the tourism sector after COVID-19 is one of the top questions leaders across the world are asking. In fact, 79% of the survey respondents say that they expect international tourist arrivals to decline by over 50% in 2020. A respondent shares, “I hope that the government and the Department of Tourism will be able to come up with a clear bounce back program immediately so the stakeholders may be able to make business decisions.”

Government assistance is needed to help businesses survive the impact of the pandemic

Many tourism-related businesses can sustain their operations and cash up to 6 months only., how the government can help tourism-related businesses.

While the government is currently reviewing the possible financial assistance that may be provided to the tourism players. According to our respondents, access to customers, reasonably-priced consultants, and suppliers as among their top needs to have sustainable businesses after the ECQ.

In other countries, some of the initiatives to help restart tourism are as follows:

Funding to engage customers and maintain mindshare.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched a US$20m Marketing Partnership Programme.
STB has also launched the SG Stories Content Fund of US$2m
Online training to upskill workers
Tools to accelerate digital transformation
Go To Campaign - the government will subsidize half of domestic travel costs of up to ¥20,000 per night and issue coupons that can be used at souvenir shops and elsewhere
Creating attractive stay content for diversifying customers, etc.
For Japanese consumers who purchased domestic travel products during the period via travel agents etc., coupons equivalent to 1/2 of the price (including accommodation discounts, coupons, and usage coupons for local products, restaurants, facilities, etc.) are given
Project to develop the capacity of entrepreneurs and personnel in tourism to improve the quality of service and build confidence for tourists
CCTV installation in important tourist attractions to maintain the safety of tourists in Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Krabi, Chonburi and Phuket provinces
Project to promote and upgrade tourism operators to Thai tourism standards
Project to promote the development of accommodation for tourism in the community

The industry expects a significant decline in international tourist arrivals, and almost all consider insuring their businesses for pandemics

International tourist arrivals are expected to dramatically decline in 2020., including pandemics as part of insurance coverage.

of respondents say pandemics should be included in the coverage

Insuring businesses for any eventualities/crisis that may arise

of respondents consider insuring their businesses for crises events such as COVID-19 pandemic

Getting back in flight

The Philippines has beautiful islands that will once again attract the tourists after the pandemic. Nevertheless, the country should take this opportunity to rebuild the sector by helping the players upskill and digitalize, rethink the way they do business, and ensure compliance with safety and health standards. Promoting medical tourism and agri-tourism may be among the programs that the country can prioritize to help restart the sector.

While the Philippines is experiencing difficulties at this time, Filipinos should remember that through combined efforts and hard work in the past, the country was able to grow the tourism sector, and made it one of the top GDP contributors. With the country’s renewed commitment, Filipinos can be confident that that the tourism industry will achieve better success after this pandemic.

While tax incentives and removing barriers to financing are relevant, access to customers is the top need of the industry players

Apart from financing, majority consider access to customers as a vital component in keeping a sustainable business after the ecq, top government interventions the businesses wish to receive.

Tax incentivized business
Removing barriers to accessing financial support
Loan grants
Generate a platform for the promotion of MSMEs
Loan guarantee scheme that creates modest value
Provide a program for entrepreneurs to take up service oriented activities
Create a program for startups
Capacity building seminar

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Philippines Tourism: Post-Pandemic Recovery Under Way In 2024

Tourism / Philippines / Wed 31 Jan, 2024

Key View: We retain our view that the Philippines’ tourist arrival levels will fully recover to their pre-pandemic levels in 2024, after the country recorded a strong 2023 with over 5mn tourists arriving over the full year. In 2024 we project the Philippines' tourist arrivals will grow to 8.21mn. The country’s continued recovery from the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic will be driven by increasing arrivals from key source markets in Asia, Europe and North America (primarily the US). Over our medium term forecast period (2024-2028) we forecast tourist arrivals to the Philippines will continue to expand with the market offering tourists from its key source markets a relatively affordable destination, which benefit from easy access (low level entry requirements) and strong transport links.

In January 2023, the Philippines Department of Tourism reported the country’s tourist arrivals for December 2023 had reached 514,416. The December 2023 figures brings the market’s total arrivals for the year to 5,003,475. The reported arrivals figures for 2023 stand at 61.1% of their pre-pandemic level in 2019 (8.19mn arrivals) and slightly higher than BMI’s projection of 4.9mn arrivals for 2023. South Korea, which has historically been the Philippines' largest arrivals source market, retained its ranking in 2023, making up 26.4% of arrivals for the year.

Strong Month On Month Increase In Arrivals Over 2023

Philippines – cumulative 2023 monthly arrivals & 2024 arrivals forecast.

We forecast the Philippines’ arrivals to grow by 64.0% y-o-y in 2024 to reach 8.21mn arrivals. This would be a full recovery in arrivals, as well as being higher than the 8.19mn arrivals welcomed in 2019. We believe the growth and recovery in arrivals over 2024 will primarily be driven by increasing arrivals from key source markets, such as South Korea, Mainland China, the US, Japan, and Australia. We forecast the country’s arrivals to continue to increase over the remainder of our 2024-2028 forecast, reaching a projected 9.5mn arrivals in 2028. This represents an average annual growth rate of 15.8% y-o-y over 2024-2028.

We note that there are short term risks to our outlook for the Philippines arrivals stemming from heightened consumer inflation in the Philippine’s key source markets. We expect inflationary pressures to ease over 2024, but consumers will remain price sensitive in the short term and this is likely to be reflected in increased travel to domestic and short haul destinations, a trade down from long-haul international destinations, which have a higher price point. Nevertheless, the Philippines is a relatively affordable travel destination, and we expect it to particularly benefit from strong regional arrivals, due to its proximity and strong transport links with its key Asia source markets.

This commentary is published by BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, and is not a comment on Fitch Ratings Credit Ratings. Any comments or data included in the report are solely derived from BMI and independent sources. Fitch Ratings analysts do not share data or information with BMI. Copyright © 2023 Fitch Solutions Group Limited. All rights reserved. 30 North Colonnade, London E14 5GN, UK.

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DOT: TOURISM INDUSTRY UP TO TOUGH CHALLENGES ON PATH TO RECOVERY

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo–Puyat said the tourism industry is ready to face the reality and daunting challenges of the “new normal,” referring to new standards and protocols for safe and responsible tourism that will direct its path to recovery.

The tourism chief disclosed the wide–range preparations for the anticipated reopening of economic activities during the Tuesday’s online–edition of Go Negosyo, themed “We Go As One For Tourism,” hosted by Presidential Adviser for entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion.

To guarantee the visitors’ primary concern for safety, the DOT Chief said measures will be implemented including: re–training of tourism practitioners, reducing the capacity of air and land transport units, the distribution of hygiene kits to tour participants, mandatory temperature checks at airports, hotels, and other attractions, and ensuring food safety, among others.

The DOT is also proposing the following measures: a) Regular sanitation/ disinfection of tourism accommodation and transport services; b) provision of sanitation/ disinfecting devices, including PPEs for tourism workers; c) regular inspection of tourism establishments by agencies in relation to health and safety standards; d) development of online systems that can facilitate tourism–related transactions such as applications for accreditation, training modules, and even retail.

“There is no going back to the way things were and we have to accept the tourism landscape that will emerge after the COVID–19 pandemic. Unless a vaccine is developed, the threat of another outbreak is always a possibility so safety will be the paramount concern of most of our visitors,” said Puyat.

She also took the opportunity to appeal to the public for support as the tourism industry adapts the stringent measures required to survive, thrive and stay resilient under the new normal.

“With your support, open-mindedness, and cooperation, the tourism industry can once again prosper while setting the bar with new standards for hospitality, sustainability, health and safety, and guest satisfaction,” Sec. Puyat added.

The tourism chief stressed the government’s inclusive approach to finding solutions to the challenges identified as the most pressing, such as: the need for soft loans for working capital; payment of loans; deferment of tax payments; wage subsidies; and health and safety of tourism workers.

She said the DOT, in cooperation with national government agencies and stakeholders through the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), is currently formulating the Tourism Response and Recovery Plan (TRRP), which will serve as the masterplan to get the industry back on its feet.

Puyat assured that the TRRP is designed to revitalize the country’s tourism industry, including programs, projects, and activities under six thematic outcomes with emphasis on sustaining businesses, training or capacitating the workforce, and protecting vulnerable groups.

Published:March 3, 2021

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PBBM LAUDS WINNERS OF DOT’S TOURISM CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE; RAISES FUNDING FOR LGU INFRA PROPOSALS TO P255M

DOT UNVEILS TOURIST REST AREA IN PALAWAN

THE PHILIPPINES VIES FOR 7 WARDS AS ASIA’S BEST FOR THE 2024 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

LOVE THE FLAVORS, LOVE THE PHILIPPINES: THE PHILIPPINE EATSPERIENCE OPENS IN RIZAL PARK AND INTRAMUROS IN MANILA

DOT CHAMPIONS GENDER EQUALITY WITH SUCCESFUL HOSTING OF INAUGURAL PATA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WOMEN IN TRAVEL

PHILIPPINES TO BEEF TOURISM COOPERATION WITH AUSTRIA

THE PHILIPPINES RECORDS 1.2M INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS IN FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 2024

DOT, TPB TO ELEVATE PHILIPPINE EXPERIENCE, LEAD BIGGEST PHL DELEGATION TO ITB BERLIN 2024

TOURISM CHIEF BACKS CALLS FOR RETURN OF BOLJOON PULPIT PANELS TO CHURCH

CRK ROUTES ASIA 2024 WIN TO BOOST PH INT’L TOURIST ARRIVALS

TOURISM CHIEF LAUDS ‘CULTURAL HERITAGE AND HISTORY’ OF ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, COMMITS DOT’S SUPPORT TO PROVINCE’S TRANSFORMATION INTO A ‘TOURISM GEM’

DOT BOOSTS MEDICAL TOURISM EFFORTS WITH THE RELEASE OF UPDATED ACCREDITATION GUIDELINES FOR DENTAL CLINICS

DIVE TOURISM CONTRIBUTES P73 BILLION TO PH ECONOMY IN 2023 FRASCO

DOT TAKES THE LEAD IN UNITING THE GLOBAL DIVING COMMUNITY WITH PHIDEX 2024

PATA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WOMEN IN TRAVEL TO BE HELD IN BOHOL, PHILIPPINES FROM MARCH 20 – 22, 2024

DOT TO PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FOR TOURISM OFFICERS THROUGH AIM, ATOP PARTNERSHIP

ZOZOBRADO TAKES OATH AS PHILIPPINE RETIREMENT AUTHORITY CHIEF

DOT AWARDS BRAND NEW TWO-BEDROOM SMDC CONDO TO FIL-CANADIAN WINNER OF BISITA, BE MY GUEST PROGRAM

NEXT STOP: ENTERTAINMENT HUB

DOT REVIVES PHILIPPINE TOURISM AWARDS

DOT LAUDS WINNERS OF ASEAN TOURISM AWARDS 2024

DOT TO HOST THE PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL DIVE EXPO (PHIDEX) IN FEBRUARY 2024

PHL IS LEAD COUNTRY COORDINATOR ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASEAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN POST-2025

DOT, TIEZA EARMARK P15 MILLION FOR MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE RESTORATION PROJECT; FRASCO REITERATES SUPPORT FOR PH HISTORIC SITES, HERITAGE TOURISM

FRASCO TO LEAD PH DELEGATION AT THE ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2024 IN LAOS

DOT CHIEF: SINULOG ALLOWS TOURISTS TO IMMERSE “IN AN EXPERIENCE THAT TRANSCENDS THE ORDINARY

DOT, DMW LAUNCH BALIK BAYANI SA TURISMO PROGRAM

PALAWAN GETS NOD AS WORLD TOP TRENDING DESTINATION IN 2024 BY TRIPADVISOR’S BEST OF THE BEST

DOT CHIEF: MORE LONG WEEKENDS TO BOOST DOMESTIC TOURISM IN THE COUNTRY

DOT Chief: Philippines surpasses yearend target with 5.45 million int’l visitor arrivals in 2023, int’l visitor receipts surge at PHP482.54 billion

Frasco proudly presents WTA awards to PBBM

DOT lauds PPP framework for Tourist Rest Area in Carmen, Cebu

DOT breaches industry targets for 2023; Frasco bullish on country’s continued tourism transformation under Marcos administration in 2024

Philippines cited for Global Tourism Resilience, wins World’s Best Beach, Dive, City Awards

DOT inaugurates first Tourist Rest Area in Bohol Island

PH wins big at international award-giving bodies

Philippine tourism earnings surge to 404B in first 10 months of 2023 – DOT chief

DOT hails inclusion of CRK as world’s most beautiful airport

DOT chief joins global tourism leaders in WTM Ministers’ Summit 2023 in London

Philippines, Japan ink deal on tourism cooperation

UNESCO Gastronomy City citation for Iloilo boosts gastro, creative tourism – Frasco

DOT’s Alternative Livelihood Training Program signals hope and recovery as Oriental Mindoro’s tourism industry bounces back after oil spill woes

Dot wins back-to-back best videos at world tourism organization competition.

The Philippines vies for 4 major awards at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2023

DOT chief joins high-level UNWTO Global Education Forum as panelist

The Philippines joins UNWTO General Assembly as Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific; prestigious global position held again after 24 years

DOT BARES 15 TOP LGU PROPOSALS FOR TOURISM CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE

Philippines Named Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023 by World Cruise Awards

Filipino Hospitality Excellence soars with DOT surpassing 100k target

TIEZA Philippine Tourism Investment Summit 2023: Uniting Public and Private Sectors to Fuel Tourism Growth

Frasco to join world tourism leaders in 25th unwto general assembly.

LOVE THE PHILIPPINES! Boracay, Palawan, Siargao voted among Asia’s best by Condé Nast Traveler readers

Tourism industry generates Php344 Billion in int’l visitor receipts in 9 months; Frasco seeks Senators’ support to usher in the “Golden Era” of Philippine tourism

DOT launches Tourist Assistance Call Center

Tourism chief visits Tawi-Tawi in PHL, assures LGU, tourism stakeholders of Marcos admin’s full support

Phl records more than 4m foreign visitors; dot optimistic on robust rebound of tourism.

Film Heritage building to rise, boost PH film tourism

DOT chief bares bold prospects for PH tourism at Global Tourism Economy Forum

Frasco to speak at UNWTO Global Tourism Economy Forum

DOT, TPB bring back on-site PHITEX 2023 in Cebu

Frasco thanks lawmakers for the swift approval and support for increase of Php 2.7 B DOT budget

DOT’s Bisita, Be My Guest program awards first raffle winners

Philippines’ FIBA hosting boosts hotel occupancy, visitor arrivals – Tourism Chief

1st Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue unites Dive Industry: 37B raked in 2022

Boost in PH medical tourism seen with public-private convergence

Philippines wins “Asia’s Leading Dive Destination” at prestigious World Travel Awards 2023

DOT affirms support to peace and security efforts under Marcos administration

Frasco cites PBBM’s policies, programs for the industry at PTM 2023

DOT inks deal with Cebu LGU for more Tourist Rest Areas, “Heritage City” Carcar thanks DOT for TRA

DOT in full support to FIBA World Cup Opening Day

DOT, TESDA ink deal to expand tourism education, reinforce tourism training opportunities

DOT, NCIP ink partnership to empower indigenous peoples, protect and promote cultural heritage through tourism

Lawmakers laud tourism initiatives, bat for higher 2024 budget for DOT

PHL records Php 286B tourism receipts from January to July; Frasco bares efforts to support tourism in Central Visayas

PBBM’s prioritization makes tourism among top drivers of economic growth– DOT Chief

DOT inaugurates first Tourist Rest Area in Mindanao; Frasco bares plan to build 15 more TRAs across the country

Dot records more inbound flights to phl, increase in domestic air routes.

Tourism Chief highlights Culinary Tourism in PHL at World Chefs Asia President Forum 2023

NMP-Cebu to spur tourism development in Visayas Region—Frasco

DOT Chief welcomes e-Visa system for Chinese tourists

DOT positions PHL as one of Asia’s most LGBT-friendly destinations

From courtside to paradise: DOT supports FIBA World Cup hosting with Philippine Tour Packages

DOT bares tourism milestones under PBBM’s first year in office; Secretary Frasco optimistic on exceeding industry targets for 2023

PHL int’l tourist arrivals breach 3M mark; tourism receipts surge at P212.47 billion

Frasco inaugurates first ever DOT Tourist Rest Area in PHL

Pbbm trusts frasco, tourism chief gets widespread support.

Frasco launches Philippines Hop-On-Hop-Off for Manila

DOT chief grateful for continued support from lawmakers, employees

Love the Philippines draws widespread support

DOT’s enhanced branding is Philippines’ Love Letter to the world

Batanes joins UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories inclusion is a manifestation of Philippines’ successful sustainability efforts in local destinations – DOT chief

The Philippines elected as Vice President of UNWTO General Assembly after 24 Years, nabs Chairmanship of Commission for East Asia and the Pacific

DOT eyes increased arrivals from Cambodia

DOT welcomes positive tourism figures for FY2022; vows sustained industry recovery drive under the Marcos administration

Ph vies for six nominations for the wta 2023.

DOT rallies support of tourism stakeholders on digitalization initiatives

Heritage and Arts Tours in San Juan City get support from DOT

Tourism chief, Deputy Speaker Frasco donate for education of Pagsanjan boatmen’s children

Tour Guides to get more livelihood with Digital Bookings

DOT commits full support on Laguna’s local tourism resurgence; vows for more tourism projects in the province

TWG convened to drive up CRK utilization; travel and tourism to remain ‘spark of hope’ for Clark – Secretary Frasco

Philippines wins Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year Award (Non-OIC)

Dot supports malacañang heritage tours.

The country’s colorful marine life takes the spotlight in DOT’s Anilao Underwater Shootout

DOT, DND, DILG forge pact to make Mindanao a peaceful and viable tourist destination

DOT, PRA ink partnership

DOT lauds Rosquillos Festival’s showcase of local culture, contribution to local tourism

PHL participation in int’l, local travel and trade fairs yields more than P3 billion in business leads—DOT Chief

More than 43k workers receive dot training on the filipino brand of service excellence (fbse).

DOT vows support to SOCCSKSARGEN, Mindanao

Pbbm approval of phl tourism plan to spur tourism transformation, employment, philippines’ int’l visitor arrivals breach 2m.

DOT lauds PATA’s initiative to rebuild tourism communities in Laguna, Pagsanjan Falls

Filipino tourism frontliners recognized during DOT’s 50th founding anniversary celebration

DOT supports new country brand under the Marcos administration

DOT welcomes the resumption of chartered flights to PHL top destination Boracay

Medical Tourism pushed by Marcos Administration with strategic global partnership – DOT Chief

Frasco meets US filmmakers, media execs to promote Philippine tourism

Record number 1,400 Koreans arrive to Filipino welcome led by Tourism Secretary Frasco

Tourism chief Frasco dives in Puerto Galera, provides alternative livelihood to Oriental Mindoro

Philippine-Turkiye air service deal to boost tourism- DOT Chief

DOT-DOLE Tourism Job Fairs offer more than 8K jobs; 3rd leg set in May

DOT, DOTr jointly conduct inspection at NAIA T2 ahead of Holy Week break

More than 6k jobs up for grabs at DOT’s PHL tourism job fair

Go Negosyo, DOT mount Tourism Summit in Cebu

Business as usual in Puerto Galera; DOT to train tourism workers affected by oil spill for alternative livelihood – Frasco

DOT holds Philippine visa reforms convergence

Philippines hits 260M negotiated sales, bags recognition at the ITB Berlin 2023

DOT chief unveils National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 at stakeholders’ summit

Frasco meets with Central Europe tourism players, vows prioritization of tourism under Marcos Administration

Philippines comes back with biggest delegation to ITB Berlin, bags sustainable tourism recognitions

Oil Spill affecting tourist sites – DOT Chief

DOT issues guidelines pushing for more openness for tourism enterprises

Tourism chief to lead biggest PHL delegation to ITB Berlin 2023

PHL feted Best Dive Destination anew

New Flights from Clark to boost tourism, decongest NAIA

Frasco lauds Ilocos Norte’s Tan-Ok festival as manifestation of the Philippine Experience’

Frasco: Panagbenga Festival touts Baguio’s tourism resurgence

DOT extends ‘free accreditation’ for tourism establishments

DOT Chief launches Tourism Champions Challenge’ to spur tourism development in LGUs

PHL secures back-to-back nominations at the 2023 World Travel Awards

Frasco convenes first TCC meeting, forecasts full domestic recovery in 2023

Frasco leads groundbreaking of new tourist pit stop to boost Palawan tourism

Frasco leads grand welcome reception for cruise passengers, says ‘PHL aims to be cruise hub in Asia’

Japanese stakeholders bullish of PHL tourism prospects

PBBM, Tourism chief engage Japanese tourism stakeholders in high-level meet in Tokyo

Tourism chief affirms DOT’s support to PH Dev’t Plan 2023-2028

Chinese tourists receive warm welcome from PHL; DOT foresees swifter tourism recovery with Chinese outbound group tour

PHL, CHINA ink tourism implementation deal

PHL breaches 2.6M arrivals for 2022; DOT chief bullish of 2023 projections

DOT lands on Top 3 Highest Approval Rating among Government Agencies; bares targets for 2023

DOT, DICT ink deal for improvement of connectivity in tourist destinations, digitalization of services

DOT, DMW launch newest incentivized tourism promotions campaign

DOT, TIEZA launch 7th Tourist Rest Area in Pagudpud’s Saud Beach

Tourist Rest Area to rise in Bohol

Luzon’s First DOT Tourist Rest Area to Rise In Baguio City

DOT strengthens PHL-Saudi Arabia tourism relations, engages industry key players

Statement of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on the Launch of the e-Travel System

Filipino hospitality, Philippine sustainable tourism highlighted at WTTC Global Summit Saudi Arabia

Frasco welcomes Uzakrota World’s Leading Country Award, PHL destinations’ citations

Frasco eyes more urban parks in the Philippines

DOT’s Frasco is among best-performing cabinet officials- RPMD Survey

Frasco hails first-ever North Luzon Travel Fair as critical to revitalizing tourism; reiterates the Philippines’ readiness for visitors

DOT welcomes long holidays for 2023; PBBM signing of Proclamation No. 90 important stimulus to PHL domestic tourism in 2023: DOT chief

PHL visitor arrivals reach 2M; tourism revenue hit 100B – DOT Chief

Philippines hailed as World’s Leading Dive and Beach Destinations

PHL Tourism Chief initiates tourism cooperation talks with Italian Tourism Minister

Palawan cited “Most Desirable Island” in 21st Wanderlust Travel Award

Outlook for Philippine tourism positive – tourism chief

DOT launches 1st North Luzon Travel Fair

Tourism chief to lead PHL contingent to WTM, brings listening tours to FILCOM in UK

PBBM oks easing of stringent travel restrictions

PHITEX 2022 yields record high 173M sales leads

One Health Pass replaced with PHL’s ‘simpler’ eARRIVAL CARD system

Philippine Experience Caravans to roll out 2023 – Frasco

DOT relaunches Philippine Tourism Awards

DOT exceeds 2022 target arrivals; PBBM rallies support for tourism as admin’s priority sector

Siargao, a priority for Tourism Development — Frasco

STATEMENT OF TOURISM SECRETARY CHRISTINA GARCIA FRASCO

DOT bares tourism wins under PBBM’s first 100 days

Tourist Rest Areas for PHL’s top destination – Cebu

Tourist Rest Areas launched in Mindanao

FY 2023 DOT budget submitted to plenary; Senators press for higher tourism budget

DOT celebrates Philippines’ back to back wins at Conde Naste Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards; Boracay claims spot as top island in Asia anew

Frasco secures CA nod as Tourism Chief

DOT receives HOR nod for P3.573 B budget for 2023

First ever DOT-DOLE nat’l tourism job fair opens

Tourism Chief tackles plans to revive industry, entices foreign investors in New York briefing

PBBM pronouncements at UN meet an “excellent representation” of PHL – Secretary Frasco

DOT-DOLE 1st Philippine Tourism Job Fair pre-registration now open, more than 7k jobs available to tourism job seekers- Sec. Frasco

STATEMENT OF TOURISM SECRETARY CHRISTINA GARCIA FRASCO ON THE LIFTING OF OUTDOOR MASK MANDATE IN THE PHILIPPINES

DOT muling pinarangalan ng Selyo ng Kahusayan sa Serbisyo Publiko 2022

DOT Chief welcomes IATF recommendation to make masking optional when outdoors

Phl scores back to back win in WTA Asia; Intramuros hailed as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction of 2022

Frasco lays out DOT plans and programs for industry recovery; lawmakers bat for higher DOT budget

More than 1,500 tourism jobs to be offered in joint DOT-DOLE job fair

Dot to ink tourism job fair program – trabaho, turismo, asenso with dole; domestic, international jobs to be available to tourism job hunters.

Thailand to offer tourism job opportunities to Filipinos– Frasco

PHL tourism chief pushes for increased connectivity, interoperability of vax certs, equalization of opportunities, and sustainability in APEC tourism ministers’ meet

Philippines strengthens tourism ties with Thailand

DOT TRAINS BOHOL VENDORS ON FILIPINO BRAND OF SERVICE EXCELLENCE

20 intl, local dive and marine experts take centerstage at PHIDEX 2022

Measures in place to ensure safe travel to PHL – Tourism Chief

FRASCO OPTIMISTIC OF PH TOURISM RESURGENCE, LAUDS CEBU TOURISM SUCCESS

Frasco eyes visitor-friendly, “distinctly Filipino” air, seaports in PHL

DOT celebrates Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS) Dragon Boat Team historic four gold medal haul

DOT to facilitate interagency effort to strengthen Filipino Brand of Service

DOT to coordinate on quake-hit tourist destinations, heritage sites

PBBM cites tourism as top-priority; orders infra development, enhancement of Filipino brand

DOT chief takes “Listening Tours” to Luzon

DOT Chief affirms support to National Museum of the Philippines; proposes inclusion of museums in tourism circuits

Boracay, Palawan and Cebu hailed World’s Best Islands; DOT celebrates back-to-back accolades for PHL destinations

Marcos push for Tourism Infra strengthens industry, raises PHL global position – DOT Chief

DOT lauds Boracay’s inclusion in TIME’s 50 World’s Greatest Places of 2022

DOT lauds Cebu-based group win in int’l dance competition

Statement of tourism secretary christina garcia frasco on banaue.

Tourism Chief Frasco kicks off listening tours in VisMin, encourages officials to reach out to LGUs, stakeholders

Tourism chief Frasco to go on ‘listening tours’ starting this week

Dot reports increase in domestic tourism in 2021.

Incoming tourism chief receives warm welcome from employees, vows to bring “LGU perspective” to DOT

DOT’s Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) returns to Manila next month

First Davao Dive Expo slated on June 24

DOT touts ‘future farms’ as new and sustainable tourist attractions

DOT pitches PHL as ideal retirement destination in Japan Expo

DOT positions New Clark City as premier tourism investment hub

PH’s significant recovery in travel and tourism hot topic in Routes Asia 2022

DOT’s KAIN NA! takes foodies to a multi-sensory adventure

DOT Presents “Escape: Stories from the Road” Podcast

Second (2nd) Online Master TESOL Certification Course

DOT, MMC Foundation partnership brings ER bikes to three Metro Manila tourist sites

DOT spotlights PWDs and women in tourism with new “It’s More Fun for All” campaign

Media release from the department of tourism.

PHL scraps COVID pre-departure test for fully vaccinated, boostered tourists

DENR, DOT and DILG unveil Year of Protected Areas (YoPA) Campaign marking 90th anniversary of Protected Area establishment in the Philippines

Department of Tourism and Mickey Go Philippines introduce Pinoy Mickey Funko Pops

DOT launches “Keep the Fun Going” sustainable tourism campaign with gamified challenges

DOT reminds AEs on proper flag etiquette

DOT 49th Anniversary speech of the Tourism Secretary

DOT pushes for 100% vaccination of active tourism workers

DOT calls for lowering of testing price cap, certification of more saliva test facilities

PHL may be next filming location as Tourism Summit brings in Hollywood execs

WTTC Investment Tour Highlights Viable Opportunities in Clark, Central Luzon

WTTC lauds PH successful hosting of Int’l tourism Summit

Closing and Congratulatory Message during the Closing Ceremony of the 21st WTTC Global Summit of the DOT Secretary

WTTC: ‘Astonishing Recovery’ for Philippines’ tourism sector

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Exhibition Booths

WTTC Opening Ceremony Welcome Remarks of the DOT Secretary

WTTC bullish on PH tourism recovery amid Covid-19 pandemic

PHL Foreign tourist arrivals breach 200k mark – DOT Chief

DOT, partner agencies celebrate Filipino Food Month

WTTC announces speakers for its 21st Global Summit in the Philippines

DOT seeks return of Korean tourists, PH’s top market

DOT inks partnership with PNP, PDEA to beef up security in tourist destinations

DOT Launches Digital Travel Magazine “7641”

PHL says “All systems go for full reopening on April 1”; Removes EED as entry requirement

Phl logs more than 100,000 visitor arrivals since feb. 10 reopening.

DOT meets with Japanese tourism execs to boost inbound tourism arrivals

Statement of the DOT on hotel rooms occupancy guidelines

PH opens doors to all foreign tourists with easing of arrival requirements starting April 1

Travel to PHL is “easier”, more fun – Puyat

DOT Launches “Sounds More Fun in the Philippines” Playlist on Spotify

DOT hopeful on higher tourism growth with downgrading of NCR, 38 areas to Alert Level 1

Intramuros visitors up by 132% in February

DOT bares higher tourist influx since reopening

Dot welcomes iatf approval to accept the national vaxcert of 12 additional countries.

PH receives 9,283 inbound tourists; DOT upbeat on higher arrivals in months ahead

Puyat: Walk-in booster shots available for Boracay visitors

All systems go for PHL reopening for international travel- Puyat

Kids’ vaccination to make family travels safe, more fun

DOT lists requirements and protocols for arriving foreign leisure guests

Save the date for the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit in the Philippines

DOT: PH to accept fully-vaxxed tourists from visa-free countries starting Feb. 10

DOT supports ‘Pharmacy and Drive-thru Vaccination Sites’ rollout in Baguio City

DOT Launches “ASMR Experience the Philippines” Project

Dot to hold 2-day conference on english as second language (esl).

PH cities, hotels bag ASEAN tourism awards

Booster shots rolled out for fully vaxxed tourism workers; 50% of NCR hotel staff already “boosted”

DOT trains over 30,000 tourism professionals amid pandemic

Dot welcomes eased travel movement between gcq and mgcq areas for tourism revival, hotel in ‘poblacion girl” fiasco suspended, fined, intramuros gives vulnerable population a breathing space, dot launches website with exclusive travel deals for balikbayans.

Anilao Underwater Shootout stages a successful comeback

DOT’s KAIN NA! makes a comeback in Tagaytay

Dot earns unwto citation for have a safe trip, pinas ad.

Brgy. Bojo in Aloguinsan, Cebu bags UNWTO best tourism village award

More than 95% of tourism workers in dive establishments already vaccinated against covid-19: dot.

DOT: PHL to welcome Int’l tourists soon

Dot welcomes shortened quarantine days for balikbayans, dot asks lgus to simplify entry requirements in tourist spots, miceconnect 2021 positions boracay as asia’s premier bleisure destination, dot releases latest list of domestic destinations waiving rt-pcr tests for fully vaxxed visitors, dot grants incentives to fully vaccinated individuals visiting intramuros.

Statement of the DOT on waiving RT-PCR requirement to Boracay for fully vaxxed tourists

Anilao underwater ‘shootout’ is back

Puyat, dot execs pitch ph tourism in japan travel mart, dot welcomes eased restrictions in mm under alert level 2, free swab tests for domestic tourists starting nov. 1, dot lists destinations without testing requirement, with projected 100% inoculation rate by next month, boracay will soon waive rt-pcr testing for fully vaxxed visitors.

Domestic Travel Welcome-Back: DOT, TPB launch ‘It’s More Fun with You’ ad and ‘Have a Safe Trip, Pinas’ Viber Stickers

22 divers pass dot guide training in anilao.

PH cited Asia’s top beach and dive destination anew in 2021 World Travel Awards

Dot bullish on camiguin’s reopening, boosts covid-19 vax drive, dot clarifies travel guidelines for ncr residents under alert level 4, alert level 3, good for tourism jobs and businesses as holidays near – puyat, 2nd tourism & technology forum: readying for a different future.

DOT vaccination drive for tourism workers continues in Pampanga

Dot welcomes easing of age restrictions for interzonal travel, less quarantine days for travelers an ‘encouraging development’ for tourism industry – puyat.

Vaccination of Rizal tourism workers crucial to industry’s recovery — DOT

Dot welcomes siargao, palawan and boracay win in int’l travel mag awards, over 43k safety seals issued as more businesses apply, dot backs call to shorten quarantine of fully vaxxed travelers, dot calls for cooperation to ensure success of expanded operational capacity of restaurants in ncr.

DOT lauds Samar LGU vax drive for tourism workers

Message of secretary berna romulo-puyat on the celebration of world tourism day, dot ensures compliance of accredited hotels, resorts to new iatf alert level system guidelines.

Cebu vax drive for tourism workers gains traction with more than 50% inoculated

Puyat bares phl hosting of international tourism conference in march 2022.

DOT and TikTok launch #GandaMoPinas Campaign as local borders reopen

Dot invites esl teachers to free online master tesol certification course.

DOT launches “More Fun Awaits” global campaign to showcase travel preps

Statement of the department of tourism (dot), statement of the department of tourism on the inclusion of palawan in t+l’s top islands in asia, world list, more than 50% of country’s tourism workers vaccinated against covid-19 – dot chief, intramuros site visit of dot secretary berna romulo-puyat.

Intramuros sites and Rizal Park to reopen September 16

Philippines boosts participation in expo 2020 dubai, highlights pinoy food, local tourism businesses receive dot, tpb philcare kits.

DOT, partner agencies drive up promotion of Filipino food experience

More than 7.5k tourism workers in Baguio have received Covid vax – Tourism Chief

Dot, tpb distribute p19m worth of materials to promote safety protocols.

DOT, NTF bring vaccination rollout for tourism workers in Siargao Island

DOT: 95% of tourism workers in NCR vaxxed vs Covid-19

Sustainability is key to tourism industry’s recovery — puyat, dot lauds private sector for vaccine rollout in el nido.

PHITEX 2021: Beyond Business slated for September 19-23

Puyat leads vaccination drive for Pampanga tourism workers

More than 75% of Bohol tourism workers eyed for inoculation with second vaccine roll-out

More than 70% of tourism frontliners in metro manila vaccinated vs covid-19 — puyat.

DOT and TPB SUCCESSFULLY STAGED FIRST-EVER HYBRID EDITION OF THE REGIONAL TRAVEL FAIR

Dot, bpos to hold job fair, statement of the department of tourism.

DOT targets increased inoculation of tourism workers in more destinations

Puyat: More vaccines coming for Palawan tourism workers

Dot statement on nesthy petecio’s silver medal finish in the tokyo 2020 olympics, rizal park drive-thru vax site opens; puyat hails manila’s anti-covid initiative, dot gets highest coa rating for 2nd straight year, statement of the department of tourism on the passing of heritage and cultural tourism advocate mr. ramon hofileña, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the heightened community quarantine level implementations in ncr, more tourism workers in boracay to receive covid-19 jabs – dot, dot reiterates call for safe travel amid stricter quarantine measure, dot reminds hotels, resorts that room sharing for quarantined families is allowed, dot celebrates siargao inclusion in time magazine as one of the world’s greatest places of 2021, dot launches halal food tourism, dot backs gov’t infra program to boost tourism, dot backs iloilo bid for ‘creative city of gastronomy’ recognition from unesco, statement of the department of tourism on iatf decision allowing children five years old and above, and fully vaccinated seniors to visit outdoor areas, dot partners with viber to promote kain na foodfest, dot: 3,000 boracay tourism workers to receive covid vax, dot, tpb continues to support lgus with digital transformation projects, dot teams up with scarlet belo and cartoon network to take safe trips, dot statement on the activities of the taal volcano, bakuna by the sea: dot hails davao’s innovative approach to travel, hospitality workers, dot, tpb to roll out 2nd phase of rt-pcr financial subsidy program through pcmc, dot unveils region 1 tourism recovery plan, statement of the department of tourism on the drop of tourism contribution to gdp, dot to co-stage virtual fête de la musique june 18-21, more ncr tourism workers receive support through dot-dole program, travel for tourists of all ages from ncr plus to boracay, other mgcq areas extended to june 30, dot eyes inoculation of 5,000 bohol tourism workers, museums in ncr plus to reopen on limited capacity – dot, dot turns food tourism to high heat with 2021 kain na, terms for tourism business loans eased, dot bares tourism recovery plans for bulacan, dot and tiktok launch #sarapmagingpinoy campaign to promote local food tourism, dot launches five-year plan to develop tourism professionals, dot celebrates world environment month, highlights responsible marine wildlife interactions, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the rt-pcr requirement for leisure travelers under iatf-eid resolution 118a, statement of the dot on iatf-eid resolution 118a, more than 16k bulacan tourism workers get dot-dole cash aid, dot orders stricter monitoring of staycation hotels and aes in gcq areas following new iatf guidelines, dot lauds inclusion of frontline tourism workers in a1 priority group, dot hosts pata summit for first hybrid mice event in 2021, over 1,400 golf workers in metro manila get dot-dole cash aid.

Central Luzon to Showcase ‘Flavors of Pampanga’, readies tourists for gastronomic experience

Dot lauds ph hotels recognized with the 2021 tripadvisor awards, 3,390 tourism workers in marinduque approved to receive p16.95m dot-dole cash aid, puyat bares tourism recovery plans for marinduque, dot proposes ‘green lane’ for fully vaccinated travelers, dot hails expansion of priority vaccination to a4 cluster, including tourism frontliners, 5,986 staycation rooms open for guests from ncr plus, intramuros to open fort santiago, baluarte de san diego to visitors may 17, dot statement on the proposed vaccination center in nayong pilipino, dot welcomes iatf decision to ease travel in ncr plus, 221m cash aid approved for 44k tourism workers in western visayas, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the collected garbage from the waters of samal island, davao del norte, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the reported violations of a hotel in davao city, dot to host hybrid pata annual event for adventure travel, p1.5m cash aid approved for 295 intramuros tourism workers, updates on the vaccination of tourism workers, labor day vax for tourism workers, more than 400k displaced tourism workers get dot-dole cash aid, philippine tourism and mice industry to bounce back with the hosting of wttc global summit, dot, manila lgu ink mobile hospital deal, dot-accredited establishment staysafe.ph-users, eligible for safety seal certification, dot grants the wttc safe travels stamp to 33 more hotels nationwide, dot welcomes proposals to convert tourism sites to temporary medical facilities, dot lauds repurposed hotels, calls for ‘bayanihan’ vs covid, dot approves use of burnham green and quirino grandstand in rizal park for temporary mobile hospital and drive-thru vaccination site, dot celebrates saud beach inclusion in the 25 most beautiful beaches in the world list of travel and leisure, 67k displaced tourism workers of ncr+ receive dot-dole cash aid, statement of the department of tourism on the vaccination facility in nayong pilipino property, statement of the department of tourism regarding the alleged birthday “super spreader” event in boracay, dot eyes adoption of covid-19 digital travel pass, dot statement on ecq extension in ncr plus, phl, dot nominated at asia edition of 2021 world travel awards, dot pushes for inclusion of other tourism workers in priority group a4, strict new guidelines set for hotels under ecq; lenten ‘staycations’ within ncr plus suspended, dot statement on ecq for ncr+ areas, dot statement on holy week, rizal park and paco park adjust visiting hours, remain open for physical exercise, dot statement on biatf measures for boracay, tpb philippines spearheads tourism and technology forum (ttf), dot statement on coron tourist with falsified travel documents, dot supports rizal tourism circuit on food, faith, art, adventure and nature, the ‘fun’ continues: philippines joins digital itb berlin, dot to spur domestic tourism in rizal, dot’s stdp program to enhance resiliency of phl destinations – puyat, dot sustains online presence with ‘wake up in ph’ campaign and safety travel advisories, dot greenlights partial operations of hotel restaurants on june 15, dot eyes tourism recovery as more destinations may reopen, domestic travel to drive recovery of tourism industry, says survey, dot hails revival of tourist cops, tourism will recover well, dot chief vows, dot celebrates hidden beach, palawan’s inclusion in cnt’s best beaches in the world, tourism industry hikes share in gdp to 13%; puyat sees strong recovery from pandemic, dot pushes stringent guidelines for stakeholders across the nation, biatf denounces travelers’ breach of entry protocol to boracay, dot lauds partnership model for safe and sustainable tourism in boracay, dot issues guidelines on tourist land transport services, iatf–eid resolution reiterates ‘dot certificate of authority’ as requisite to operate, dot issues protocols on restaurant operations under the new normal, dot welcomes ph ‘rising stars in travel’ citation by forbes.com, dot, dti to roll out health and safety guidelines, digital solutions for restaurants, dot, attached agencies promote digital tourism, tourism chief reminds hotels, resorts: no dot certificate, no business operations during mgcq, dot assists 36,000 tourists during covid-19 crisis, dot webinar tackles digital as the new normal, dot welcomes the resumption of tourism operations in areas under mgcq, trust and health safety key to phl tourism recovery – dot chief, puyat on reopening tourism: ‘do it slowly but surely’, dot brings home 84 tourists stranded in eastern visayas, dot supports coron’s sustainable tourism development to bounce back, dot welcomes puerto princesa reopening to domestic tourists, dot urges for more wttc safe travels stamp applications, boracay’s white beach, el nido’s nacpan beach among tripadvisor’s top beaches in asia, dot statement on uniform travel protocols, dot supports the safe reopening of negros oriental, puyat affirms support for siquijor’s reopening, dot statement on el nido’s swift action against tourists with false covid test records, dot supports dilg’s streamlining of travel requirements, dot assists 98 stranded tourists in western mindanao, dot assists 246 tourists stranded in bicol, dot response team assists 1004 tourists stranded in caraga region, statement of tourism secretary bernadette romulo-puyat, dot8 springs stranded tourists, total assisted travelers now at 11,000, dot assists stranded tourists in central luzon, dot response teams assist over 10,000 travelers, dot announces the guidelines on hotels and other accommodation establishments during the enhanced community quarantine, dot chief: innovation to spur food tourism in new normal, dot webinar tackles heritage site conservation and use amid pandemic, dot banners “filipino brand of service”; assists over 35,000 tourists amid pandemic, dot to jumpstart domestic tourism under stricter protocols with iatf and lgus, dot partners with wttc to share experts’ tourism outlook, recovery plans, dot regulates hotel food deliveries, more than 155,000 tourism sector workers receive first tranche of dof wage subsidy program, dot mounts sweeper flights; brings home 1000 stranded domestic tourists, dot webinar tackles recovery, future of phl’s m.i.c.e., statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the iatf–eid authorization to mount sweeper flights, statement of secretary bernadette romulo puyat on the passing of former dot secretary ramon jimenez, jr., dot–ncr assists 24,000 in–transit nationals amid ecq of luzon, dot and ssi support philippine food producers in online philippine harvest, dot provides virtual backgrounds for video calls to encourage “travel from home”, dot offers online “enhanced opportunity” training for tourism stakeholders, dot-region 6 delivers filipino brand of service in crisis, dot outlines tourism response, post–covid 19 recovery plan to aid private sector, dot issues guidelines defining “new normal” for accommodation establishments, 24,836 hotel rooms reserved for ofws’ quarantine, bpo staff use – dot chief, stranded tourists welcome extended stay in batanes, dot welcomes lifting of travel ban for outbound passengers, recovery flights, tourism transport to continue for stranded passengers, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on covid-19 local transmission, dot statement on the curfew recommendation for lgus, dot, turkish airlines form partnership to increase philippine tourism from europe and mediterranean source markets, dot celebrates first run of the philippine international hot air balloon fiesta in calabarzon, puyat convenes tourism council; invites public to travel within ph, international visitor receipts hit usd 9.31b in 2019, 20.81% up from 2018, dot postpones nationwide mall sale to prioritize safety of citizens.

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Exploring the Economic Impact of Tourism on the Philippines

As the pandemic eases, the Philippines opened tourism again in 2022 which will likely serve to boost the economy in coming years.

As the Philippines go through multiple changes adapting to the digital era, the pandemic, and administration changes within the government, there have been challenges in how tourism would move forward in 2022 and the succeeding years. Specifically, there is an urgent need to adopt policies in the tourism industry that drive economic recovery as it will help minimize the adverse effects of the pandemic.

For instance, the government now allows incoming, vaccinated foreign visitors to utilize quarantine waivers instead of a previously mandatory quarantine period. This trend will likely become more prominent in the next two years as international travel to the Philippines will become more frequent.

Such a development is positive for the Philippine tourism industry as it will entice foreign travelers. Likewise, other industries will also benefit as the entry of foreigners will introduce a new market to cater to. Specifically, sectors like retail, food and beverage (F&B), and hospitality will benefit the most from the influx of visitors. To further bolster this predicted growth, the tourism sector should seek to collaborate with closely related industries by creating package deals that cater to the end-to-end needs of visitors, like hotel accommodation, transportation services, tours, etc.

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The Broader Look

Today’s front page, Sunday, April 21, 2024

The current state and outlook of global and Philippine tourism

Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes
July 8, 2021
3 minute read

Tourism, broadly defined, refers to travel for business or leisure. It is beneficial to an economy because it generates jobs and has income multiplier effects. In light of this pandemic, perhaps, it would be good to review the current state and outlook of global and Philippine tourism.

So, where is tourism now? Global data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) web site reveal declines in both income and jobs from 2019 to 2020. In 2019, global tourism generated about $9.170 trillion in income (10.4 percent of global income); however, in 2020, it generated just $4.671 trillion (5.5 percent of global income)—a 49.1-percent decline from the previous year. This contraction was much deeper than the 3.7-percent decline in global income.

In 2019, global tourism jobs numbered at 334 million, but this figure decreased by 18.6 percent to 272 million in 2020. From 2014 to 2019, on average, tourism accounted for 1 out of 4 net new jobs created. In 2020, however, the 272 million jobs registered by tourism accounted for just 1 out of 11 jobs globally.

For the Philippines, data from the WTTC web site reveal the same trends. In 2019, Philippine tourism generated about P4.468 trillion in income (22.5 percent of national income); however, in 2020, it generated just P2.619 trillion (14.6 percent of national income)—a 41.4-percent decline from the previous year. This contraction was much deeper than the 9.5-percent decline in national income.

Regarding employment, in 2019, Philippine tourism jobs numbered at about 9.571 million (22.8 percent of total employment). This figure decreased by 21.1 percent to 7.551 million (19.2 percent of total employment) in 2020.

The dampening effect of travel restrictions was also evident in tourist spending statistics. In 2019, total tourist spending in the Philippines was at P3.798 trillion, with P0.600 trillion (15.8 percent of total tourist spending and 10.7 percent of total exports) coming from international tourists and P3.198 trillion (84.2 percent of total tourist spending) coming from domestic tourists. In 2020, total tourist spending declined by 42.4 percent to P2.189 trillion, with P0.127 trillion (5.8 percent of total tourist spending and 2.8 percent of total exports) coming from international tourists and P2.062 trillion (94.2 percent of total tourist spending) coming from domestic tourists.

Nevertheless, more recent quarterly data from Cebu Pacific suggest a tentative recovery, as the number of passengers increased slowly from 61 in Q2-2020 (when strict lockdowns were first imposed) to 604 in Q2-2021. Prior to the lockdowns, in Q1-2020, the number of passengers was 4,391. The same pattern can also be seen in the number of flights, which slowly increased from 597 in Q2-2020 to 5,313 in Q2-2021. In Q1-2020, the number of flights was 29,695.

In a survey covering Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, as of May 2021, for domestic flights, the Philippines was still at 24 percent capacity—way behind Indonesia (64 percent) and Vietnam (114 percent). For international flights, though, the Philippines ranked first in restored capacity (17 percent) and second in passenger seats (298,000).

So, where is tourism likely to go? According to the WTTC, global tourism will likely exhibit four broad trends. One, there will be demand evolution, as traveler preferences and behaviors shift toward the familiar, predictable, and trusted. Domestic and regional vacations and the outdoors will reign in the short term, with tourism businesses and destinations already adapting.

Two, health and hygiene will become paramount in this new era. Personal experiences, advice from experts, and concerns for physical distancing will guide consumer behavior.

Three, amid stay-at-home orders, digital adoption and consumption will be on the rise, with consumers now expecting contactless technologies, including biometrics, as basic prerequisites for a safe and seamless travel experience.

Four, the world will be reinvigorated to tackle social, environmental, and institutional sustainability. In particular, heightened public awareness of the environment, wildlife markets, and poaching will boost advocacy for wildlife protection and ocean preservation.

Here in the Philippines, as reported by Colliers Market Intelligence, the tourism industry will not likely return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023 or 2024. The successful vaccine rollout should bolster travel confidence among foreign and domestic tourists and aid in the recovery of the tourism sector.

The same view is given by McKinsey & Company, which says that countries that have restored confidence—or are close to doing so—have seen economic activity return, or begin to return, to pre-crisis levels. McKinsey & Company also notes that uncertainty due to Covid-19 and related health risks has made many individuals, households, and businesses alter their behavior, even without formal restrictions from government.

Indeed, it all boils down to confidence, and this should not surprise anyone.

Dr. Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes is the Associate Director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development.

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Tourism in the Philippines: Exploring Opportunities and Overcoming Challenges

Introduction

Travel and tourism in the Philippines is a vibrant and growing sector. The country has many attractions, including beautiful beaches, impressive mountains, and a rich cultural heritage. Every year, millions of tourists flock to the islands of the Philippines to explore its breathtaking beauty and indulge in its offerings. In 2019, foreign arrivals peaked at 8.3 million , indicating the country’s popularity as a tourist destination.

However, the tourism industry in the country suffered significant losses in previous years because of the pandemic. Nevertheless, the country is optimistic and expecting a revival and revitalization of its tourism economy. Continue reading to explore the nation’s thriving sector, its obstacles, and the potential it provides.

Why do tourists love to visit the Philippines?

The Philippines, an archipelagic nation spanning over 7,000 islands, offers an unparalleled and distinctive experience for travellers. With a vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, welcoming locals, and breathtaking natural scenery, the country boasts a diverse range of offerings to cater to all interests. Here are just a few you won’t want to miss out on!

Stunning Beaches

The Philippines is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From laid-back, crystal-clear waters to vibrant nightlife scenes and everything in between, you’re sure to find something that will suit your tastes. Notable attractions are the stunningly beautiful islands of Siargao, Boracay, and Palawan, all of which were ranked first, second, and third, respectively, on Condé Nast Traveller’s list of Asia’s best islands in 2018 .

Adventure & Nature

The Philippines is a nature-lovers paradise, possessing a variety of breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The country’s rainforests are home to some of the world’s most exotic plants and animals, while its mountains offer exciting trekking opportunities. Adventure seekers can also enjoy white-water rafting in the Cordilleras or explore some of the country’s many volcanoes including the perfectly cone-shaped Mayon Volcano in the region of Bicol, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Cultural Experiences

The Philippines is a melting pot of cultures, and its vibrant heritage can be experienced through its cuisine, music, art, and festivals. The country also features some of the most beautiful colonial architecture in the world, notably Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage City and one of Asia’s best-preserved planned Spanish colonial towns. Additionally, the local people are warm and welcoming, and travellers often find themselves connecting with the locals for a truly authentic experience.

Tourism and the Philippine Economy

The travel and tourism industry is one of the major contributors to the Philippine economy. In 2019, the industry contributed a record 12.7% of the country’s GDP, amounting to PhP 2.48 trillion, a 10.8% increase over 2018. It is one of the largest service industries in the country in terms of gross revenue and foreign exchange earnings. It also employs millions of Filipinos, with an estimated 5.7 million people employed in the sector as of 2019. This makes it an incredibly important source of income for many local communities across the nation.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the industry in the past few years. Thousands of livelihoods were severely affected and many jobs were lost. In fact, in 2021, the sector was only able to contribute 5.2% to the country’s GDP. Tourism employment in 2021 also took a nosedive at an estimated 4.90 million, which, while higher than the 4.68 million recorded in 2020, is still significantly lower than pre-COVID numbers.

Challenges of the Philippine Tourism Sector

Covid-19 anxieties.

As mentioned, the recent pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the Philippine tourism sector. The industry has been one of the hardest-hit sectors, with a significant decline in international and domestic arrivals. As a result, businesses have suffered due to restrictions on travel, social distancing requirements, and a decrease in tourist spending.

In Standard Insights’ most recent Consumer Report Philippines 2023 , which surveyed over 1,000 Filipino respondents in November 2022, more than half of the population stated health & safety-related issues (53.6%) were their biggest worry about travelling in 2023.

Filipinos' Biggest Worry About Travelling in 2023

Interestingly, most Filipinos, specifically 76.6%, feel safe and secure travelling abroad despite the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Merely a minority of 6.2% expressed feeling insecure about international travel this year.

Filipinos' Level of Safety When Traveling Internationally With COVID-19

Airline Woes & Airfare Costs

Another major challenge facing the Philippine tourism sector is the limited number of air links between domestic and international destinations. For many years, the country has relied heavily on its domestic airlines to provide service to both local and foreign passengers. However, with a limited number of flights available, it can be difficult for tourists to visit multiple destinations within the same trip. The lack of direct routes from other countries also proves to be an obstacle for those hoping to travel to the Philippines for a holiday or business trip.

Adding to this challenge is the high cost of airfare that affects the Philippine tourism sector. The cost of oil prices has been rising steadily over the past few years, and the cost of airfare is one of the most affected areas due to this trend. Moreover, airfares in the Philippines tend to be higher than in other Asian countries due to taxes imposed by both local and international airlines as well as fuel costs that are often not included in ticket prices. This makes it difficult for budget travellers and those who are looking to save money on their trips.

Infrastructure

Another challenge facing the Philippine tourism sector is inadequate infrastructure and services such as hotels, transportation networks, and attractions available at tourist destinations across the country. Inadequate infrastructure often leads to overcrowding at major tourist spots during peak season and prevents visitors from enjoying all that each destination has to offer. Additionally, poor public transportation options make it difficult for travellers to explore beyond just their immediate area without having access to private transport such as cars or taxis.

Government Tourism Revival Efforts

The Philippine government has undertaken various measures to revive the tourism sector. In 2021, it launched the Tourism Response and Recovery Plan (TRRP) to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the industry and protect jobs, visitors, and communities by providing financial assistance for businesses and individuals in need. This allows support for the recovery of tourism enterprises and helps to rebuild confidence and growing demand in domestic and foreign markets. The plan also included an incentive program for domestic tourists, which was implemented in late 2021 and aimed to help revive local tourism by offering discounts on accommodations, food, and activities.

Moreover, starting in 2024, foreigners will be allowed to get tax refunds for purchases made in the Philippines as part of the government’s aim to attract more visitors. Value-added tax (VAT) , which is presently charged at a rate of 12% on goods consumed domestically, will eventually be refunded to international visitors on items they take out of the country.

Finally, the Philippines can be hopeful about the future of its tourism industry. In the previous year, the country welcomed 2.6 million visitors , surpassing its 2022 goal of 1.7 million arrivals. This achievement has encouraged the Department of Tourism (DOT) to set a new target of attracting 5 million foreign visitors in 2023, double the number from last year.

In recent years, the Philippine tourism industry has encountered a multitude of obstacles, particularly with health and safety concerns. In the aftermath of the pandemic, these issues continue to linger, with over half of the population expressing apprehension about travelling in 2023 due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Despite the challenges, the industry remains resilient and adaptable, implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists and locals alike.

The government has also responded by launching various initiatives such as the Tourism Response and Recovery Plan to help revive the industry and promote domestic and international travel. By continuing to focus on strengthening infrastructure, encouraging domestic tourism, and offering attractive packages for foreign visitors, the Philippines is taking steps toward restoring its tourism sector to its former glory.

Unlock reliable market research in the Philippines with real and authentic consumer insights. Know the needs and preferences of the Filipino population to help you make well-informed decisions in this dynamic market landscape.

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Philippine tourism industry seen to reach pre-pandemic levels by 2024

By Revin Mikhael D. Ochave, Reporter

THE DOMESTIC tourism sector is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by 2024, although near-term challenges such as high inflation may affect demand, according to industry stakeholders.

“We consulted our members, we also talked to some experts, reports coming from United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and many of them are really looking at 2024 as the year that we can go back to pre-pandemic levels. So, the next year and a half will be crucial,” Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) Executive Director Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. said in an interview with BusinessWorld Live on One News television channel on Monday.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought travel and tourism to a standstill around the world. The industry is slowly recovering as travel restrictions ease and COVID-19 cases drop.

Mr. Bengzon said he is optimistic that the tourism and hotel industry is heading towards recovery, after travel demand improves during the summer months.

“For the hotel industry, we have been registering very good occupancy rate in the last couple of months. This has been driven by the strong demand among Filipinos who are out on summer vacation,” Mr. Bengzon said.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recently showed that the share of the local tourism industry to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) inched up to 5.2% in 2021 from 5.1% in 2020. However, this is still signi fi cantly lower than the 12.7% seen in 2019.

Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) President Jose C. Clemente III said that most countries and industry experts are aiming to see travel and tourism to reach pre-pandemic levels by 2024.

“Of course, that will depend on some factors such as the war in the Ukraine and COVID-19 or new viruses that may come to light. If there is a resolution to Ukraine sooner than later and no new viruses, then travel and tourism should be okay,” Mr. Clemente said in a Viber message.

John Paolo R. Rivera, associate director at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) – Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism, said in a Viber message that the projection of attaining pre-pandemic levels by 2024 is “reasonable” but may have already factored in disruptions from the pandemic, global economy and other external factors.

“However, it is also possible to reach pre-pandemic levels as early as 2023 if no disruption will happen such as a surge, lockdown, war, political instability, and security threat. While it is not likely, we are living in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world. Anything can happen,” Mr. Rivera said.

However, the spike in fuel and food prices may pose a challenge to the industry’s recovery.

“Any increase in oil will invariably a ff ect prices of commodities and services across di ff erent sectors… This (oil hike) is a challenge but we don’t really see it as a dampener,” Mr. Bengzon said.

Mr. Clemente said that the industry has little control when it comes to in fl ation, which is expected to continue accelerating in the next few months.

“Coping with challenges such as inflation and oil price hikes, unfortunately, are external factors that the travel and tourism industry has little control over. The most we can do is to do our best to keep prices down as best we can but still continue to make acceptable margins,” Mr. Clemente said.

“We have to remember that tourism is also coming out from a two-year hibernation and we are just starting to get back on our feet. We also need to make back what we lost during the peak of the pandemic,” he added.

Mr. Bengzon said the local tourism industry needs to achieve an “optimum balance” to achieve recovery.

“We know that there’s still some restrictions on international travel. For domestic (travel), for us to really sustain this growth momentum, it’s really important that we’re able to contain COVID-19, to make sure that Filipinos who travel around the country observe health protocols,” the PHOA executive director said, noting that tourists from major markets such as South Korea, Japan and China are crucial to recovery.

According to AIM’s Mr. Rivera, the tourism industry’s recovery can be supported by encouraging more Filipinos to get their COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots.

“Everyone should get vaccinated and boosted, continue complying with minimum health standards so we can make sure that we are towards no alert level and avoid an increase in alert level so mobility continues to progress,” Mr. Rivera said.

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How the Philippines’ tourism industry is changing in 2023

How+the+Philippines%E2%80%99+tourism+industry+is+changing+in+2023

Promoted Post February 14, 2023

There is no arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the tourism industry in a major way, forcing the sector to shift focus to new and innovative ways to promote tourism and facilitate travel.

Recovery Strategies for 2023

One of the big tourism catalysts of the year is the E-arrival pass , seamlessly integrating the information required by five government agencies into a single platform.

“It makes travel as convenient as possible for any Filipino or tourist coming into the country by removing any barriers that would otherwise dissuade tourists from coming into the Philippines,” Department Of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

Tourist Rest Areas are another exciting project launched recently. These one-stop centers will provide restrooms, coffee shops, Pasalubong and souvenir Stores, Tourist Information areas, and a Charging Station.

“The tourist rest area was conceptualized in fulfillment of one of our objectives in the Department of Tourism to ensure that we equalize tourism promotion and development not only in the key destinations within the country but also to lesser known areas that have great potential for tourism development. It is our President’s desire to spread economic opportunity and livelihood all over the Philippines especially and including Mindanao,” Frasco explained.

All of this has created a solid foundation for the tourism sector to continue its upward trajectory, becoming one of the most competitive markets in Asia once more.

“Aside from diversifying our products in arts and film tourism, we are also developing the country’s existing tourism products including dive and marine sports tourism, education, health, and cruise tourism, food, and gastronomy tourism, culture and heritage tourism, MICE tourism and halal tourism,” said Frasco.

The “Bisita (Visitor) Be My Guest” program is another ambitious idea launched by the department late in 2022.

The initiative incentivizes Filipinos, especially those living abroad, to be ambassadors for the country and bring friends to visit the country.

They will win prizes and receive discounts through the app’s privilege card.

Domestic tourism is also getting a big boost thanks to President, Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr’s decree that public holidays that fall on a weekend would be moved to a Monday.

Frasco noted that this was a huge help to the industry and added that “it also stoked a lot of interest and excitement among fellow Filipinos in terms of booking their trips for 2023.”

At the end of the year, DOT signed into a partnership with the Department of Information and Communication Technology to improve the experience tourists have when visiting Tourism Centers across the country.

More than 94 locations will benefit from the proposed developments which include improved internet connectivity and more digitized tourism experiences.

Recovering Figures

The Philippines is one of the tourism-dependent economies that was struck the hardest, bringing its 13% GDP contribution to its knees.

In 2021, the Philippines had its worst year for inbound tourists in decades, reporting even lower figures than in 2020.

The government launched the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign, promoting domestic travel, and saw great returns as there was a 39% increase over that same time.

But things are looking up and the Philippines is looking to double its tourism figures from 2022 which was already much better than some 160,000 visitors in the previous year.

The Department of Tourism noted that they welcomed around 2.46 million visitors in 2022 but that they would be aiming to reach around 4.8 million arrivals in 2023.

Secretary Frasco explained that they are cautiously optimistic despite external factors like Chinese lockdowns, the war in Ukraine, and rising fuel costs.

“We look at it with optimism in a sense that our goal is to exceed our conservative projections in the same way that we have been able to exceed it this year,” she said.

“And we feel that we would be able to exceed our pre-pandemic numbers way earlier than the 2025 year that was told to us when we assumed office with the improved policies under the Marcos administration,” Frasco added.

New Markets

The largest number of foreign tourists came from China and South Korea but due to their stricks border control measures , those tourists all but disappeared.

The Filipino government has announced a new strategy to now target Middle-Eastern tourists in the hope of reaching their desired visitors count.

“We won’t just focus on continuing to promote halal tourism among halal tourism-accredited establishments in Mindanao, but will be expanding accreditation to establishments across the Philippines,” Frasco explained.

Saudi Arabians were the top arrival from the Middle East but still only ranked 23 rd in overall arrivals, a position DOT is looking to drastically increase.

“We are very conscious of developing opportunity markets where this type of tourism may be attractive and that includes Malaysia, Indonesia, (and) our friends in the Middle East,” she added.

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Tourism in the Philippines pp 3–19 Cite as

Contemporary Issues in Tourism Management in the Philippines

Richard S. Aquino 5 &
Brooke A. Porter 6 , 7
First Online: 28 September 2022

194 Accesses

1 Citations

Part of the book series: Perspectives on Asian Tourism ((PAT))

The Philippines is an emerging tourism destination in Asia. In the last decade, the country’s tourism industry has experienced significant growth in terms of international tourist arrivals and visitor receipts. While sustainable tourism has been institutionalised as a motor for national development, several issues challenging the sustainability and inclusivity of Philippine tourism exist in many destinations in the country today. This introductory chapter provides an overview of the contemporary management issues in Philippine tourism development. The discussion of these issues then articulates the intention and position of this volume. This chapter ends by outlining the intention, parts, and contributions in this volume.

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Aquino, R.S., Porter, B.A. (2022). Contemporary Issues in Tourism Management in the Philippines. In: Aquino, R.S., Porter, B.A. (eds) Tourism in the Philippines. Perspectives on Asian Tourism. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-4497-0_1

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Lack of Chinese visitors hinders Philippines tourism growth

Tuesday, 16 Apr 2024

Pedestrians in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, Metro Manila, the Philippines, on Saturday, April 6, 2024. The Philippines trimmed its economic growth forecasts for this year and next amid stubborn inflation and elevated interest rates, while widening its fiscal deficit estimates to support higher spending. Photographer: Veejay Villafranca/Bloomberg

MANILA: The slow return of Chinese tourists has been holding back travel recovery in the Philippines, the Bank of America (BofA) says in a report that highlights the “uneven” recovery in Asia tourism.

As the region’s tourism sector enters the last leg of recovery from the pandemic’s onslaught, BofA said the Philippines, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan were the “laggards” in Asia as tourist arrivals in these destinations have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels.

In the Philippines, BofA noted that foreign visitor arrivals were still 76% of pre-pandemic levels as of February this year, albeit much better than Hong Kong’s 73.7% and Taiwan’s January 2024 figure of 69.6%.

Among the laggards, BofA said China was an “outlier” after it reopened its economy much later than other Asian destinations. Data compiled by the bank showed foreign tourist arrivals in China were 36.3% below pre-pandemic level as of December 2023.

In turn, the later reopening of China’s economy weighed on tourism recovery in countries that heavily depended on Chinese holidaymakers, such as the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Data compiled by BofA showed Chinese arrivals are only tracking at 20% to 30% of pre-pandemic levels in the Philippines, below trends elsewhere in the region. And the recovery is unlikely to speed up anytime soon, with BofA noting the “changing preferences” of Chinese consumers.

“The typical Chinese traveller these days is increasingly interested in exploring domestic cities that offer unique cultural experiences. This has also slowed their return to international destinations,” BofA said.

“The return of Chinese travellers might be a gradual process,” it added.

On the flip side, tourism is now back to pre-pandemic vigor in Japan and Vietnam as they benefitted from the weakness of their currencies.

BofA said Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand were among the “hopefuls” in Asia after seeing a sharp rebound in international arrivals in recent months.

Meanwhile, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia were in the “middle of the pack” whose visitor entries are tracking at 80% to 85% of pre-pandemic levels so far.

For this year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) forecasts tourism receipts – a source of US dollars for the economy – to grow by 50%.

That would contribute to the projected US$700mil surplus in 2024 which, if realised, would be smaller than the US$3.7bil windfall recorded in 2023.

Moving forward, BofA said Asian economies with falling currencies would continue to attract more foreign visitors that are looking for cheap holiday destinations.

“Foreign exchange colleagues expect currencies in Asia to strengthen across the board against the US dollar over the next two years but remain weak by historical standards,” BSP said. — The Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN

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Lack of Chinese visitors hinders PH tourism growth

Boracay among the top tourist destinations in the country

Photo by Jack Jarilla

The slow return of Chinese tourists has been holding back travel recovery in the Philippines, Bank of America (BofA) said in a new report that highlighted the “uneven” recovery in Asia tourism.

As the region’s tourism sector enters the “last” leg of recovery from the pandemic’s onslaught, BofA said the Philippines, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan were the “laggards” in Asia as tourist arrivals in these destinations have yet to reach prepandemic levels.

In the Philippines, BofA noted that foreign visitor arrivals were still 76 percent of prepandemic levels as of February this year, albeit much better than Hong Kong’s 73.7 percent and Taiwan’s January 2024 figure of 69.6 percent.

In turn, the later reopening of China’s economy weighed on tourism recovery in countries that heavily depend on Chinese holidaymakers, such as the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Data compiled by BofA showed Chinese arrivals are only tracking at 20 to 30 percent of prepandemic levels in the Philippines, below trends elsewhere in the region. And the recovery is unlikely to speed up anytime soon, with BofA noting the “changing preferences” of Chinese consumers.

“The typical Chinese traveler these days is increasingly interested in exploring domestic cities that offer unique cultural experiences. This has also slowed their return to international destinations,” BofA said.

“The return of Chinese travelers might be a gradual process,” it added.

On the flip side, tourism is now back to prepandemic vigor in Japan and Vietnam as they benefited from the weakness of their currencies.

BofA said Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand were among the “hopefuls” in Asia after seeing a sharp rebound in international arrivals in recent months. Meanwhile, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia were in the “middle of the pack” whose visitor entries are tracking at 80 to 85 percent of prepandemic levels so far.

For this year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) forecasts tourism receipts—a source of dollars for the economy—to grow by 50 percent. That would contribute to the projected $700 million dollar surplus in 2024 which, if realized, would be smaller than the $3.7 billion windfall recorded in 2023.

Moving forward, BofA said Asian economies with falling currencies would continue to attract more foreign visitors that are looking for cheap holiday destinations.

“FX colleagues expect currencies across Asia to strengthen across the board against the USD over the next two years but remain weak by historical standards,” the Bank said.

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“We therefore think countries with weaker currencies, particularly Japan, will continue to attract tourists in the near and medium term,” it added. INQ

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Introduction
The Failure of Peace Talks
A Whole-of-Government Offensive
The Battle for the Countryside
A Rebellion at Low Ebb
Mindanao: A Fading Stronghold
Visayas: The Last Bastion
Luzon: Pockets of Resistance
Preparing for Talks
Adjusting the Counter-insurgency
Strengthening the Rule of Law
Boosting Livelihoods in Conflict Zones
Supporting Local Peacebuilding

Appendix B: The Communist Insurgency through Time

This photo taken on July 30, 2017 shows guerrillas of the New People's Army (NPA) marching in the Sierra Madre mountain range, located east of Manila. Fuelled by one of the world's starkest rich-poor divides, a Maoist rebellion that began months before the first human landed on the moon plods on even though the country now boasts one of the world's fastest-growing economies. Noel CELIS / AFP

Calming the Long War in the Philippine Countryside

Manila’s counter-insurgency campaign has whittled the Philippine communist rebellion down to a fraction of its former strength. But it has fallen short of ending the conflict. A negotiated peace preceded by confidence-building measures is the best way forward.

"> Download PDF Full Report (en)

What’s new? The Philippine Maoists, one of Asia’s longest-running communist insurgencies, are on the defensive, with Manila pushing for definitive victory through counter-insurgent operations and development initiatives. Fighting has fallen in intensity nationwide, but pockets of conflict remain in some of the country’s poorest and most remote areas.

Why does it matter? While the government has indisputably weakened the rebels, somewhere between 1,200 and 2,000 fighters remain under arms. Their elusiveness and residual community support mean that efforts to vanquish the guerrillas on the battlefield will be arduous and prone to spurring new manifestations of armed conflict.

What should be done? Both sides should look to fresh peace talks, due to begin soon, as the best route to settling the conflict. To overcome the mutual distrust that scuppered previous negotiations, government and rebels should craft steps to reduce violence and build confidence before turning to major points on the agenda.

Executive Summary

Conflict between the Philippine government and communist rebels persists despite the state’s attempts to force the insurgents’ final surrender. Since peace talks collapsed in 2017, Manila has tried to defeat the rebels by combining military pressure with development projects in remote villages across the country. The strategy seems to be paying off. Estimated rebel numbers now stand between 1,200 and 2,000 – far from the 25,000-strong force of the 1980s – while fighting is confined to largely impoverished territorial redoubts. But the rebels still manage to defy predictions of their demise. Clashes caused the deaths of at least 250 fighters and civilians in 2023. To mitigate the impact of conflict, the government should seize the opportunity of a fresh round of peace talks expected to begin soon by crafting concrete steps to reduce violence, build confidence between the sides and address some of the rebels’ substantive demands. Authorities should also seek to overcome lingering mistrust of the state in rural areas by curbing military and police abuses, as well as redoubling efforts to improve socio-economic conditions.

Over almost five decades of conflict, Manila has relied mainly on counter-insurgency campaigns to thwart the communist rebels, while making occasional forays into peace talks. During his term of office from 2016 to 2022, President Rodrigo Duterte initiated a peace process that broke down amid resurging violence. Since then, Manila has battled to increase the scope and pace of counter-insurgency operations, partly through an inter-agency mechanism known as the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Determined to finish off the insurgency, the government has endeavoured to expand state presence and deliver basic services in the most conflict-affected regions. Following the killing of several high-ranking commanders over the last three years, as well as the death of the group’s founder, Jose Maria Sison, in December 2022, the rebels have found themselves increasingly adrift and on the defensive. Arrests and surrenders of fighters have come at a steady clip.

These battlefield gains have nevertheless fallen short of achieving a definitive end to the conflict. Without doubt, some Philippine regions have regained peace and stability. The Davao region and parts of central Mindanao, as well as some provinces in Luzon and the Visayas, have witnessed a major reduction in conflict and seen modest economic improvements. At the same time, violence continues to claim lives and warp ties between state and society in pockets of land across the archipelago. Long an insurgent stronghold, the southernmost island of Mindanao still has several areas under rebel sway despite the counter-insurgency campaign. In the Visayas, a few hundred guerrillas are trying to hold back the military’s push to dislodge them from their traditional bastions in Negros and Samar, where economic divides remain stark and human rights abuses by both the military and the rebels persist.

Most of the communities caught up in the violence are rural and poor. Indigenous peoples often bear the brunt of the conflict, which in some regions has been characterised by sudden flare-ups of fighting, abuse of civilians and profound damage to local economies. Manila’s campaign has also featured extensive use of the practice of red-tagging, referring to the authorities’ sometimes over-reaching efforts to prosecute or otherwise harass people or organisations suspected of being associated with the communist movement.

As it proceeds with its campaign, the government will likely be able to further dent the rebels’ capacity to operate. But bringing an end to the decades-old insurgency through military means will not be easy. Whether the insurgents can survive a further wave of military pressure is uncertain, but for now it is too early to speak of total rebel collapse. The communist movement has demonstrated in the past its capacity to overcome major losses and adapt to adverse circumstances. Moreover, there is a risk of escalation: some rebels may decide to form splinter groups or fuse with criminal outfits, thus perpetuating deadly conflict in new ways.

Against this backdrop, the announcement of a return to talks, which surprised many, represents an opportunity that should not be missed. To ensure that these talks do not suffer the same fate as the round that collapsed in 2017, Manila and the rebels need to focus from the start on agreeing to concrete steps to reduce vio-lence and build trust. These confidence building measures might include guaran-teed freedom of movement for rebel negotiators and local or temporary ceasefires. Progress in these areas could help establish the foundations for discussions about substantive reforms long demanded by the rebels, including thorny issues relating to rural development.

Even as it pushes forward with these negotiations, Manila should also recali-brate its inter-agency task force’s efforts to deliver development projects that are better tailored to rural areas. Stronger oversight, a focus on community-driven de-velopment and curbs on the crackdown on suspected communist sympathisers would give the task force much greater credibility. The government should also work through officials, national agencies and the police to halt abuses committed in the name of counter-insurgency, while improving its relations with civil society organisations operating in conflict-affected areas. Both rebels and the armed forc-es, meanwhile, should curtail violations of international humanitarian law for the sake of civilians caught in the crossfire.

Absent a negotiated peace, it is hard to know when this insurgency rooted in the 1960s, and with a demonstrated capacity for longevity, will be over. Military pres-sure and a counter-insurgent offensive have whittled the rebels down to a fraction of their former strength, but so long as they remain active and able to draw on the support of disgruntled rural dwellers, peace talks will offer the best route to bring-ing an end to the conflict.

Manila/Brussels, 19 April 2024

I. Introduction

For more than 50 years, the Philippine government has been in conflict with the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). [1] Launched in 1969, the communist rebellion is among Asia’s oldest insurgencies, having outlasted seven Filipino presidents. [2] To date, fighting between the NPA and the state has claimed at least 40,000 lives – rebels, soldiers and civilians – the vast majority of them in the conflict’s early phases. [3] Today, the CPP says its armed wing is active in “more or less 70” of the country’s 82 provinces. [4] But the conflict is concentrated in a few areas, particularly northern Mindanao, southern Luzon and parts of the Visayas, a set of smaller islands in the middle of the country, with clashes between the sides accounting for at least 220 fatalities in 2023. [5] Some of the movement’s leaders, including its negotiating panel, live in exile in the Netherlands.

The CPP’s belief in the need for “national democratic revolution” stems from its ideology, Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. With a mission that it associates with anti-imperialism and social justice, the group follows Mao Zedong’s “protracted people’s war” strategy, which calls for armed struggle in the countryside to encircle cities and, eventually, take over the reins of government. It says it will fight until the “root causes” of its rebellion – in a spokesperson’s words, “poverty, longstanding exploitation and oppression” – are no more. [6] These ills, it says, result from imperialism, feudalism and bureaucratic capitalism.

Successive Philippine governments have acknowledged the social problems the insurgency claims to be fighting to resolve, but Manila nevertheless sees the rebellion as an armed enemy bent on seizing power. Fighters attack the army and police and used to run what were in effect parallel governments in remote areas. Despite differences between the wings of the communist movement, the military and police look at it as one interconnected web under the party’s control.

[1] For background, see Crisis Group Asia Report N°202, The Communist Insurgency in the Philippines: Tactics and Talks , 11 February 2011. The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF), founded in 1973, negotiates with the Philippine government on the party’s behalf and is an umbrella of different underground organisations allied with it. The CPP-NPA-NDF structure follows the three-part division into party, army and united front – what Mao termed the “three magic weapons” – that is typical among communist movements.

[2] For a historical overview, see Gregg Jones, Red Revolution: Inside the Philippine Guerrilla Movement (Boulder, 1989); and William Chapman, Inside the Philippine Revolution: The New People’s Army and Its Struggle for Power (London, 2021).

[3] Crisis Group Report, The Communist Insurgency in the Philippines: Tactics and Talks , p. 1. While the number of casualties has declined in recent years, the conflict still kills hundreds every year. Data on casualties since 2010 is scarce, but Crisis Group estimates that at least 3,000 people have been killed and over 2,000 wounded in this period.

[4] Crisis Group correspondence, Marco Valbuena, CPP chief information officer, 24 July 2023.

[5] Crisis Group data.

[6] Crisis Group correspondence, Ka Ma. Roja Banua, NDF-Bikol spokesperson, 4 July 2023.

Bodies allied with the communists, ranging from trade unions to agricultural associations, some of which are grouped under National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) while others remain formally independent, are frequent targets for state crackdowns. Manila’s effort to expose these links – and, in some cases, harass the individuals or groups in question – is known as red-tagging. [1] Manila proscribes the political and military wings of the movement and the NDF on the grounds that they are terrorist organisations. [2]

Nonetheless, Manila has periodically negotiated with the rebels, who are represented in talks by the NDF. [3] After the 1986 ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos, during which the insurgency grew in strength, successive administrations – from the one headed by Corazon Aquino (1986-1992) to the one helmed by her son Benigno Aquino (2010-2016) – held peace talks with the communist group, but with few results. [4] Norway facilitated the intermittent talks from 2001 until President Rodrigo Duterte called them off in 2017. [5] Even so, in November 2023 Manila and the rebels once again pledged to resume talks in the near future. [6]

This report assesses the state of the decades-old conflict and suggests ways to take advantage of the opportunity created by prospective talks, as well as offering other recommendations for conflict mitigation. In addition to fresh research, it draws upon an extensive review of scholarly literature, historical documents, military writings and CPP publications. Research was conducted in Manila and other parts of the country, including almost a dozen conflict-affected provinces, mostly in southern Luzon, Mindanao and the Visayas, between mid-2020 and late 2023. It consists of more than 160 interviews with members of the government and the CPP negotiating panels, rebel cadres and commanders, surrendered rebels, women ex-rebels and activists, military officers, local government officials, civil society representatives, Indigenous and community leaders, church officials, analysts and diplomats. [7] Reflecting gender dynamics in the upper echelons of Philippine institutions, 50 of Crisis Group’s interlocutors – less than half – were women.

[1] S ome members of legal left-wing organisations might also belong to the NDF, CPP or even the NPA, but others do not, though they may sympathise with the armed struggle. Probing these relationships is hampered not only by secrecy, but also by the real possibility of harm coming to those who are “red-tagged” by assertions of a connection. Red-tagged individuals have been victims of extrajudicial killings. Red-tagging has also extended to international non-governmental organisations such as Oxfam. Mara Cepeda, “Red-tagged Oxfam, NCCP slam military for ‘malicious, careless’ attack”, Rappler , 6 November 2019.

[2] The CPP-NPA, but not the NDF, is also listed as a terrorist organisation by the U.S., the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

[3] In contrast to the failure of talks with the communist rebels, Manila reached a major agreement with the largest of the Moro Muslim separatist groups in 2014. See Crisis Group Asia Report N°240, The Philippines: Breakthrough in Mindanao , 5 December 2012.

[4] Almost 25,000 fighters were enlisted in the insurgency when the country was under martial law, under President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., from 1972 to 1986. Appendix B details the various presidents’ approaches to the conflict.

[5] The Norwegian government provided space, opportunities and, when needed, advice to both sides. Decisions are left to the parties.

[6] See “ Oslo Joint Communique ”, 23 November 2023; and “Joint Statement Signed by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines”, 23 November 2023.

[7] This report uses the terms CPP to refer to the communist movement’s political leadership, NPA to refer to its armed component and NDF to refer to the negotiating panel.

II. From Peace Talks to Counter-insurgency

Following the breakdown of peace talks in 2017, with violence escalating, the government tackled the insurgency with a dual approach. [1] First, it set out on a military campaign to “make the NPA irrelevant”, in the words of a senior commander; and secondly, it sought to address the conflict’s “root causes”, particularly perceived injustices and poverty in the country’s remote areas, which it believes account for the insurgency’s resilience. [2]

In 2018, then-President Duterte began deploying more troops to Bicol, Samar and Negros regions – all hotbeds of insurgency. [3] The military killed front commanders and members of the CPP’s Central Committee, including figures such as Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, Antonio Cabanatan, Mariano Adlao, Julios Giron and Menandro “Bok” Villanueva. [4] The loss of strongholds and safe areas, as well as the armed forces’ technological superiority, have posed major challenges to the insurgents’ logistics and communications. [5] Especially under Duterte, but also under his successor Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., the military and police have harassed and on occasion directly attacked left-wing organisations and activists accused of being affiliated with the communist movement. [6] In parallel, the government launched development projects in the countryside in a bid to weaken the rebels’ support base.

[1] At the beginning of Duterte’s term, the rebel fighters were said to number around 3,000-4,000. Women have long been part of the movement as combatants, political cadres and members of allied civil society organisations, but there are no credible estimates of how many.

[2] Crisis Group interviews, Manila, March-April 2023.

[3] “ Memorandum Order 32: Reinforcing the Guidelines for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in the Implementation of Measures to Suppress and Prevent Lawless Violence ”, Office of the President of the Philippines, 22 November 2018.

[4] A long-time observer of the conflict said the government also killed party cadres who were “doves” open to talks. Crisis Group interview, Manila, 2 September 2022.

[5] Crisis Group interview, source close to Caraga-based NPA, 12 March 2023.

[6] Crisis Group interviews, Commission on Human Rights officials, Manila, 1 June 2020; civil society figures, Manila, 31 January and 14 February 2023.

A. The Failure of Peace Talks

After his election in July 2016, Duterte, who presented himself as the first “leftist” Philippine president, extended several olive branches to the communist rebels. [1] He offered them positions in his cabinet and freed nineteen top cadres from prison. [2] He also sent a delegation to hold preliminary talks in Norway. [3] Composed of Jesus Dureza, Silvestre Bello III and Hernani Braganza, whom the rebel negotiators considered “old comrades” – all had been government emissaries under previous administrations – the delegation got a warm welcome. [4] At first, Duterte’s gamble seemed to have paid off. [5] During the first three rounds of talks, held from August 2016 to January 2017, the parties made major progress on issues that had derailed past negotiations, including separate unilateral ceasefires and a joint framework for a comprehensive agreement. [6]

But despite the breakthroughs, violence and unresolved differences soon threw the talks off track. In late January 2017, with the third round under way, a six-month ceasefire declared by both sides the previous July collapsed as soldiers and rebels clashed in Makilala, Cotabato, leaving a communist fighter dead. [7] Meanwhile, negotiations stalled over issues such as amnesty for rebels, prisoner releases and the communists’ socio-economic demands. While the sides endeavoured to bridge the gaps, through both official and back channels, it was not enough to break the deadlock.

A series of events deepened the impasse. On 23 May 2017, a major battle erupted between government forces and jihadists in Mindanao’s Marawi City, leading Duterte to declare martial law across the island the same day. [8] Believing they were also being targeted, communist leaders ordered their fighters to attack government forces, both in Mindanao and across the country. [9] Dureza, the negotiator, responded by announcing the government’s withdrawal from talks. [10] Manila then cancelled a round of back-channel conversations planned for July after the rebels attacked the Presidential Security Group, a close protection unit tasked with guarding the president, in Cotabato, and another round slated for November after a rebel ambush took the lives of a police officer and a four-month-old baby in Bukidnon. [11] On 23 November, Duterte signed Proclamation No. 360, formally terminating the talks. Two weeks later, he issued Proclamation No. 374, designating the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organisation.

[1] Before assuming the presidency, Duterte was mayor of Davao City, Mindanao, where he had good relations with local NPA commanders.

[2] Many saw the release of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon – the CPP chairman and secretary general, respectively – as risky, as they were the highest-ranking rebels in custody at the time and were considered hardliners. Crisis Group telephone interview, former top cadre, 25 August 2022.

[3] “Duterte team, NDF ‘optimistic’ after day 1 of peace talks in Norway”, CNN Philippines, 15 June 2016.

[4] Crisis Group interview, Satur Ocampo, NDF Philippines adviser, Manila, May 2020. The NDF panel and working groups included several women, while the government’s team had at least one woman member.

[5] The Philippine public was supportive of the talks. Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, “8 in 10 Filipinos in favor of peace talks: Pulse”, Manila Bulletin , 9 May 2017.

[6] Both declared indefinite unilateral ceasefires for the first time and agreed to work on a mutual ceasefire agreement. According to Crisis Group data, casualties dropped by more than half during the ceasefire.

[7] “Soldiers, NPA break ceasefire in Cotabato clash”, Rappler , 23 January 2017. The NDF negotiating panel said the NPA kept honouring the ceasefire, despite counting 500 violations by the army in 43 provinces, until the situation became “untenable”. Crisis Group interview, NDF panellist, Utrecht, 14 December 2022.

[8] The battle, which lasted five months and displaced 400,000 people, pitted the army against a local jihadist coalition that had pledged allegiance to ISIS. See Crisis Group Commentary, “Philippines: Addressing Islamist Militancy after the Battle for Marawi”, 17 July 2018.

[9] “CPP orders NPA to launch more attacks in Mindanao, other regions”, Inquirer , 25 May 2017. The NDF panel said the command to intensify attacks was not intended to undermine the negotiations, adding that they asked the leadership to reconsider the order. But the episode undermined trust between the sides just as the president was becoming increasingly reliant on the military due to the violence in Marawi.

[10] “Gov’t ‘will not proceed’ peace talks with communist rebels”, CNN Philippines, 27 May 2017.

[11] As of January 2024, the unit is known as Presidential Security Command.

Efforts to negotiate persisted even after the talks formally ended. The negotiating panels held four additional rounds of back-channel talks from March to June 2018, during which they signed an Interim Peace Agreement. [1] But when the government negotiators presented the document to Duterte in a June cabinet meeting, the military asked the president not to approve it. He did not. [2] Hopes early in the COVID-19 pandemic that Duterte would rekindle the peace process were dashed, as each side accused the other of violating its unilateral ceasefire. [3]

In hindsight, three causes combined to undermine what was arguably the most promising peace initiative in decades between Manila and the Maoist insurgency. The first was mutual distrust. The good-will between the two negotiating panels, which was based on their personal relationships, did not extend to the institutions they represented, especially on the government side. The armed forces were openly sceptical of negotiations and insisted (though not successfully) on setting ceasefires as a pre-condition for talks. [4] From the rebels’ perspective, the military had a vested interest in wanting the conflict to continue. The second major hurdle was the communists’ adherence to a strategy of “talking while fighting”. [5] Although the rebels demonstrated that they could stick to a long unilateral ceasefire and were willing to enter a coordinated, bilateral truce, they were also quick to resume attacks once the ceasefire looked shaky. Even before the talks collapsed, rebel units engaged in actions that were, if not hostile, at the very least provocative. [6]

Finally, the process would have benefited from the support of an independent third party. Norway’s mandate, which required Oslo to work with both parties to facilitate talks but without seeking to steer the negotiations, held it back from taking a more direct mediation role. Meanwhile, the lack of independent oversight and monitoring of the unilateral ceasefires proved damaging. [7] Without a trusted third party, whether local or international, belief in the peace process withered on both sides.

[1] The text contained sections on amnesty for imprisoned rebels, agrarian reform and rural development, national industrialisation and economic development, and coordinated unilateral ceasefires. Crisis Group interview, Fidel Agcaoili, chief negotiator, NDF panel, Utrecht, May 2020.

[2] Crisis Group interview, Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Manila, 25 May 2020.

[3] The CPP Central Committee extended its ceasefire for two weeks, but the government did not reciprocate, citing rebel attacks on the ground.

[4] Crisis Group interview, Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Manila, 25 May 2020. During the six months of unilateral ceasefires while the talks were proceeding, both sides accused each other of violations.

[5] Previous rounds of talks, for example during the Benigno Aquino administration, had also broken down for this reason. Some of the Maoist leaders disagreed that the rebels should ever suspend the armed struggle.

[6] Crisis Group interview, former cadre, Tacloban City, 10 March 2023.

[7] The parties have tried to set up a monitoring body in the past. In 1998, the government and rebels signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, which paved the way for creating a Joint Monitoring Committee to investigate violations of the accord. Inaugurated in 2004, the committee was reactivated in 2017 during the talks but soon disbanded. Some believe, however, that the committee has its merits and could be revived. Crisis Group telephone interview, source close to the NDF, 27 February 2024.

B. A Whole-of-Government Offensive

After peace talks collapsed, Manila grew increasingly confident that it could sap the rebel group’s support and eventually defeat the rebels. To this end, in 2018 the Philippine government introduced a new framework to deal with the insurgency through Executive Order 70, which created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). [1] The government presents the NTF-ELCAC as a means of coordinating various approaches aimed at ending the insurgency, including fighting the movement’s armed wing, weakening its political fronts and tackling the rebellion’s root causes by delivering better public services in the country’s rural areas. [2] Provided with generous funding, this nexus of military and civilian agencies is the outcome of decades of counter-insurgent experimentation. [3]

Twelve “clusters” of work operate within this holistic model. The Strategic Communication Cluster, for example, works on strengthening the government’s propaganda machine, which many officials believe has been its greatest weakness in the fight with the insurgents to date. [4] The Local Government Cluster brings together the Department of Interior and local governments to build support for counter-insurgency. [5] Through the International Engagement Cluster, the government conducts advocacy campaigns targeted at international organisations, foreign embassies and Filipinos living overseas. [6]

Most controversial is the Legal Cooperation Cluster, through which the government files criminal complaints against suspected NPA fighters, CPP community organisers and party supporters, as well as against members of organisations that are not outlawed but that the military believes to be fronts for the movement. Using the Anti-Terror Law, which was passed in 2020 and largely upheld by the Supreme Court, the government has piled legal pressure on suspected rebel supporters, with national and local courts issuing indictments on a variety of charges. [7] Such red-tagging of left-wing sympathisers rose sharply during President Duterte’s term, especially following the law’s enactment, with a “chilling impact” on civil society. [8]

Red-tagging is a broad term. It can colloquially refer to law enforcement efforts to capture insurgents or CPP political cadres or to expose rebels working with legal political groups. [9] Much more frequently, however, it denotes a campaign aimed at people on the fringes of the communist movement. As part of this campaign, the state or government-friendly media will accuse individuals of ties with certain groups, which are “leftist” in the sense that they pursue objectives shared with the communists, and then sometimes link them to the movement itself. [10] Many court cases rely on suspicions of “association” with the rebels. [11] According to civil society figures, these charges are often based on no more than hearsay. [12]

[1] The ideas behind the NTF-ELCAC predate 2018, as many military officers and government officials had long recognised the need for an inter-agency body to steer a national campaign. In the Davao and Caraga regions of Eastern Mindanao, a similar approach was already in place from 2016. Crisis Group interviews, Davao, 5 February 2023; Manila, 1 December 2022. President Marcos, Jr. has delegated responsibility for the NTF-ECLAC to his vice president, Sara Duterte, who is the former president’s daughter.

[2] Critics note that the task force portrays itself as a peacebuilding mechanism though it remains a counter-insurgency tool. Crisis Group correspondence, peace scholar, 12 January 2024.

[3] For an overview of how past experiences fed into the current approach, see Glenda Gloria, “War with the NPA, war without end”, Rappler , 29 February 2020.

[4] Crisis Group interview, Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Manila, 25 May 2020.

[5] To encourage local administrations to help curb the insurgency, Manila and the military have worked with many municipalities to declare NPA rebels personae non grata.

[6] In February 2019, the NTF-ELCAC organised a “truth caravan” in Europe, visiting Bosnia, Switzerland and Belgium. In Brussels, it urged the Belgian government and the EU to cut funding for 30 NGOs it accused of being CPP-NPA fronts. Crisis Group interview, Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Manila, 25 May 2020.

[7] This law, which replaced the 2007 Human Security Act, led to the arrest of dozens. The state has used it to designate several other individuals as terrorists. Procedural rules, including guidance on implementation , that clarified aspects of the law, took effect on 15 January 2024. Executive Order 70, which created the NTF-ELCAC, is seen as another legal basis for state action against communist supporters. Crisis Group interview, activist, Manila, 14 February 2023. Crisis Group correspondence, human rights observer, 21 March 2024. The alleged crimes include arson and murder but also material support for terrorism, such as financing. The authorities often bring these charges against civil society organisations and activists.

[8] Red-tagging predates the Duterte presidency, but after the peace talks broke down it became a core part of Manila’s counter-insurgency approach without ever being made explicit policy. Crisis Group interviews, observers and civil society activists, March 2024.

[9] Critics of the government acknowledge that justified law enforcement actions do not represent unfair persecution of activists, which is what they regard as “actual” red tagging. Crisis Group interviews, local and international observers, March 2024.

[10] For example, the National Federation of Sugar Workers or political organisations associated with the Makabayan Bloc in Congress. The government sometimes claims that these groups provide direct support to the rebels. Crisis Group interview, 1 March 2024.

[11] On the repercussions of red-tagging for left-wing activists and sympathisers, see Ruby Rosselle L. Tugade, “Persistent Red-Tagging in the Philippines as Violation of the Principle of Distinction in International Humanitarian Law”, Philippine Law Journal , vol. 95, no. 3 (2022). ACLED recorded “nearly 50 red-tagging related violent events targeting civilians” between 2020 and June 2023.

[12] Crisis Group telephone interviews, human rights observer, Manila, 31 January 2023; human rights lawyer, 27 February 2024.

Red-tagging has done no small amount of harm. Legal powers have allegedly been misused on occasion, including in cases where individuals have accused political opponents or other foes of communist ties in order to bring them into disrepute. [1] Activists and development workers in areas under communist influence feel the threat of red-tagging keenly: knowing that they might face charges of association with or support for rebels makes it hard for them to operate independently from the state. [2] Human rights groups have also reported cases of extrajudicial violence against activists and other civilians who were not members of the communist movement, though they may have been sympathetic to it. [3]

Government officials deny there is any such thing as a red-tagging policy, but they insist that the 2021 law and other provisions give them the prerogative to pursue entities with links to the communist movement to help them fight the insurgency. [4] Even so, they recognise that in some cases local authorities’ “overzealousness” stirs controversy. [5] Some commentators say pressure on left-wing sympathisers has eased slightly under President Marcos, Jr., though others see no meaningful change in the campaign. [6]

Another objective of the task force, through the Local Peace Engagement Cluster, is to encourage dialogue with insurgents in conflict hotspots. But such local peace talks have never really come to fruition. The rebels have not named a negotiating panel for such talks, leaving the military and local governments to engage only with small NPA field units or individual fighters. [7] In addition, well-meaning local officials have felt that the communists’ terrorist designation tied their hands. [8] In any case, most such efforts seemed aimed at persuading rebels to surrender, rather than fostering genuine dialogue. [9] Indeed, seeking surrenders has become a flagship policy for tackling the insurgency.

An inter-agency body called Task Force Balik-Loob supervises the reintegration of rebels who surrender into civilian life. [10] Target beneficiaries include NPA fighters and sometimes their immediate family members, as well as the movement’s community organisers and supporters. [11] While the government claims that over 20,000 rebels have so far returned to law-abiding lives, the proportion of that number who represent actual combatants as opposed to sympathisers or relatives is unclear. [12] Whether or not they were fighters, most of those deemed former rebels stay in “halfway homes” or in military camps. Provision of housing, however, has been patchy, and those who have surrendered noted that other promises, such as cash or livelihood assistance, were not honoured, either. [13]

[1] Crisis Group interview, human rights activist, Manila, 14 February 2023. Crisis Group correspondence, human rights observer, 21 March 2024.

[2] For example, a humanitarian organisation in southern Luzon was red-tagged after the authorities got an anonymous call telling them it was CPP-linked. The group was forced to stop its work to protect staff. Crisis Group interview, Sorsogon, 16 April 2023. Several other organisations shared similar experiences with Crisis Group.

[3] Crisis Group interviews, human rights activists, January-July 2023. See also “ The Communist Insurgency in the Philippines: A ‘Protracted People’s War’ Continues ”, ACLED, 13 July 2023.

[4] Several journalists and observers share this view, saying there is nothing wrong with calling out groups or individuals as CPP members. In some cases, they say, arrests – but not killings – are justified. Crisis Group telephone interviews, 7 April and 22 July 2023.

[5] Crisis Group interview, task force officials, Manila, 26 February 2024.

[6] “ Philippines: ‘Red-Tagging’ Puts Activists at Risk ”, Human Rights Watch, 11 January 2024. An international observer concurs that while Manila has scaled back its rhetoric against left-wing sympathisers, red-tagging continues at the local level, especially where the communist movement is active and the army’s field commanders are particularly hostile to it. Crisis Group interview, 1 March 2024.

[7] Crisis Group interview, F i del Agcaoili, chief negotiator, NDF panel, Utrecht, May 2020.

[8] Crisis Group interviews, provincial officials from Laguna, 18 October 2022. In Davao, for example, Mayor Sara Duterte was open to talking to insurgents under the local framework, but once her father designated the movement a terrorist organisation, she abandoned the idea. Crisis Group interview, Davao City, 17 February 2023.

[9] Manila cites cases of “local peace agreements” (for example, in Zamboanga region), but they are few. Moreover, it was often the rebels’ supporters who struck the deals, rather than the NPA itself. Document made available to Crisis Group.

[10] Rebel reintegration occurs in four phases: the police or military certifies the individual as a bona fide combatant after reviewing intelligence; security officials interview the ex-combatant; the person is officially enrolled in the reintegration program; and, lastly, the government provides assistance. Crisis Group interviews, provincial government officials from Laguna, 18 October 2022. Immediate family members can also benefit from relocation programs and psycho-social support.

[11] Beneficiaries receive livelihood assistance, remuneration commensurate to the value of firearms surrendered, temporary shelter, medical and housing assistance packages, legal assistance for any pending criminal complaint and a conditional cash transfer.

[12] There is evidence that at least some of the surrenders have been staged. Critics also allege that the government is inducing movement sympathisers to surrender by such means as intimidating the families of combatants or promising financial compensation that is never paid. Crisis Group interviews, church and civil society leaders, Manila, 1 June 2020; activists, Quezon City, 14 February and 21 April 2023.

[13] The military also complains that it does not receive the funds budgeted for housing former rebels, forcing it to spend its own. Crisis Group interviews, August-September 2023.

C. The Battle for the Countryside

The Philippine military’s long experience fighting in the countryside has shaped the government’s strategy for defeating the insurgents. While tactics vary from place to place, the rural campaign aims to win “hearts and minds” while applying attritional military pressure, with institutional and financial support from Manila, particularly the counter-insurgent task force. According to the military, as of May 2023 only 200 villages were still under the communist movement’s influence – a stark contrast to the estimated 1,381 villages at the end of 2008. At the same time, the military is monitoring 300 villages where insurgents are believed to be poised to rebound. [1] At present, the government says, the rebels are operating in eleven “weakened” fronts across the country. [2]

Unlike past campaigns, which consisted exclusively of “search and destroy” missions, the present counter-insurgency effort aims to establish the state’s writ. After combat “clears” a village of rebels, the armed forces often use paramilitaries (known as Citizen Armed Force Geographical Units) or peacekeeping teams made up of villagers to patrol it. “My job as a commander is to focus on the armed component”, explained an officer. “We need to deter them and make sure they will not come back”. [3] The armed forces also try to convince rebel supporters to switch their allegiance to the state, organising them into grassroots associations and undertaking development projects to that end.

A vital part of this strategy is to ensure that state services reach the village level. [4] To obtain funds from the national Barangay Development Program, which finances projects in conflict-affected communities, villages must first secure the military’s certification that they are “insurgency-free”, after which civilian state agencies are meant to undertake various initiatives, ranging from developing water infrastructure and clinics to building roads that can be used to get farm goods to market. [5] In reality, the military often remains in the driver’s seat. [6] “We know who are the poorest of the poor, and what they need, because we are on the ground”, noted a commander. [7]

[1] John Mendoza, “NPA present in more than 200 barangays, says AFP”, Inquirer , 11 July 2023; Joviland Rita, “AFP looking at more or less 300 areas as possible election hot spots”, GMA News, 24 May 2023. See also “From Insurgency to Stability: Volume II, Insights from Selected Case Studies ” , RAND Corporation, 2011, pp. 16, 37.

[2] Priam Nepomuceno, “NTF-ELCAC: Removal of ‘mass bases’ greatly weakened NPA”, Philippine News Agency, 1 April 2024.

[3] The military uses intelligence assets and local officials to watch out for returning insurgents. Crisis Group interview, military commander, 11 April 2023.

[4] The current approach draws heavily on a counter-insurgency manual written by an army officer who defected to the NPA but later surrendered. Victor M. Corpus, Silent War (Quezon City, 1989).

[5] Declaring areas “insurgency-free” is a staple of Manila’s efforts to showcase victory. Sceptics, however, look at these claims as politically motivated and sometimes groundless. In September 2023, for example, the NPA killed five paramilitaries and injured three soldiers in a Quezon province town that had been proclaimed “insurgency-free” months before. Crisis Group interview, Quezon City, 8 September 2023.

[6] The CPP considers these efforts to be “equivalent to military rule”. Crisis Group correspondence, Marco Valbuena, CPP chief information officer, 24 July 2023. The government has tried to let the civilian bureaucracy take the lead, but with mixed results so far, as the military tends to assume it needs to do the job. Crisis Group telephone interview, senior commander, 15 July 2023.

[7] Crisis Group interview, Quezon City, 11 April 2023.

In many conflict-hit areas, development projects have had the desired effect. Villagers in such places told Crisis Group said they had “felt the government’s presence for the very first time”. [1] The promise of funds has encouraged village officials to cooperate with the authorities rather than turn back to the rebels, whose influence historically tended to rise whenever residents felt abandoned by the state. Development projects have had the most pronounced success in villages where mayors are committed to them, managing to raise additional funds and seeing the work through to completion. [2]

The process of bringing better public services to the countryside, however, is not free of administrative failings. Selection of eligible villages has been one source of controversy. The island of Palawan received around 700 million pesos ($12 million) though NPA guerrillas there are few. [3] On Mindoro, government officials promised community leaders development funding, which led the locals to scramble for rebel surrenders only to be told later that their village was not eligible. [4] Other village officials also complained about funds that never arrived or came in amounts much lower than expected. [5] Furthermore, state spending on the program varies greatly from year to year. [6] The way development projects are chosen has also come in for its share of criticism. Communities do not always have control over project selection or design, as government agencies work with a menu of pre-selected options. [7] “The problem is, everything is about infrastructure”, noted an observer from Surigao del Norte. [8]

[1] Crisis Group interview, Quezon City, 5 October 2023.

[2] Crisis Group interviews, Negros and Samar, 2023. Crisis Group interviews, governance expert, Manila, 22 February 2024; former local officials from the central Visayas, 15 March 2024.

[3] G. Ticket, “Palawan’s success story dealing with insurgency”, Palawan News , 28 December 2022.

[4] Crisis Group interview, activist, Quezon City, 21 April 2023. Former President Duterte had visited the area, making locals think their chances of eligibility were good. Some of the people whom they convinced to surrender were not actually rebels.

[5] Crisis Group interviews, civil society observers, Cagayan de Oro, 9 July 2023; NGO staff, Manila, 5 October 2022.

[6] F unding per village has fluctuated, starting at 20 million pesos ($368,000), dropping to four million ($73,000), rising back to six million ($110,000) and then falling to 2.5 million ($44,000). Nestor Corrales, “NTF-ELCAC’s budget cut to P6.3B in 2023”, Inquirer , 14 January 2023. The initial reduction came after pressure from the program’s critics in Congress, who wanted to improve transparency.

[7] The menu is provided by the Department of Budget Management and divided into categories of projects. From nine in 2021, the number of categories fell to five in 2023: farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water and sanitation facilities, clinics and electricity grids.

[8] Crisis Group interview, Surigao City, 4 June 2023.

Development projects also vary greatly in quality, in large part due to the decisive role played by local power-brokers. If mayors and other local officials, or even military commanders, are half-hearted, the results can be mediocre. [1] Allegations of mismanagement have also plagued a number of projects. [2] “Some communities feel they receive only bread crumbs”, commented a humanitarian worker. [3] Although oversight from both Manila and regional governments is expected, development projects are occasionally piecemeal, ad hoc and “out of sync” with community needs. Critics complain there is neither monitoring to make sure initiatives are on track nor a detailed, evidence-based study pointing to the most successful schemes. [4]

While development projects may enjoy short-term success, their long-term effects are often uncertain. Building roads may be an essential step in connecting villages to markets, but corridors from the countryside to urban centres, which are crucial to boosting rural livelihoods, are often missing from the plans. Other projects focused on the village level appear to have contributed little to improving overall socio-economic conditions in conflict-affected provinces. In twelve provinces where the rebels are active, poverty rates rose from 2018 to 2021 despite numerous projects being completed. [5]

Despite its flaws, the development program illustrates that the military knew it needed to pursue a more holistic approach to ending the communist insurgency. [6] By incorporating local government and recognising the importance of grassroots economic conditions, the approach shows more sensitivity to the causes driving conflict than previous campaigns, which relied to a greater extent on military might. A refrain from officials Crisis Group spoke to was that, the practical problems aside, the development projects represent a new beginning. One military officer with experience in civil-military relations said: “You cannot fix everything. But you can aspire to fix things enough so that the people see and perceive that the government is trying to do its job”. [7]

Overall, the new policies appear to have contributed to the rebels’ decline, especially in central and eastern Mindanao and across Luzon and parts of the Visayas. According to various indicators, the rebels’ military strength has subsided, while projects carried out under the task force’s aegis have curbed recruitment, preventing the insurgents from rebuilding their ranks. Some government officials are so convinced that Manila has defeated the Maoists that they doubt the need to return to peace talks. [8]

But red-tagging, bureaucratic hiccups and ill-informed decision-making cast a shadow over these achievements. While many residents of conflict-affected regions no longer consider the guerrillas to be their defenders, they are struggling to regain faith in the state’s capacity, commitment and willingness to solve their problems. A military officer acknowledged the risks involved in not delivering on the government’s promises or allowing development efforts to flag: “If things do not turn out right, you are inviting disaster”. [9]

[1] In some cases, community consultations happened only afterward and involved just a few village officials.

[2] The interventions are also less effective in areas where dynastic elites control local politics and business, as is the case in many rural areas. In some cases, young people have joined the rebels precisely out of frustration with these elites’ influence. Crisis Group interviews, former cadre, Manila, 7 October 2022; journalists and activists, Legazpi City and Irosin, 21-24 February 2023.

[3] Crisis Group interview, Quezon City, 5 October 2022. Completion rates are also a concern. In Iloilo province, less than 60 per cent of projects were completed. John Herrera, “55% of ELCAC projects in Iloilo completed; over P172-M unused funds returned to nat’l gov’t”, Daily Guardian , 15 March 2023.

[4] Crisis Group interview, development expert, Quezon City, 10 April 2023. Crisis Group interview, Bacolod, 15 March 2023. See also Llanesca Panti, “Goals achieved? COA says performance audit on NTF-ELCAC needed”, GMA News Online, 24 August 2023.

[5] These provinces were Quezon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur and Misamis Oriental. Crisis Group field visits corroborated the economic difficulties. Crisis Group interviews, residents, Bicol, Negros Occidental and Cotabato, February-June 2023. Four of these provinces continued to see increasing poverty after 2021, and conflict-affected provinces such as Samar, Northern Samar, Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Sur faced a similar trend.

[6] The military had been cognisant of the need for a civilian component in previous campaigns, but then it had neither the financial backing nor the institutional framework that the current campaign enjoys.

[7] Crisis Group interview, Tagum City, 4 February 2023.

[8] Crisis Group interviews, Manila, January-February 2024. Government officials estimate that they will fully dismantle the guerrillas by the end of 2024.

[9] Crisis Group interview, military commander, Quezon City, 11 April 2023. Some observers think that the task force is overambitious and will not be able to deliver all the intended services, especially with a lower budget in 2024. Crisis Group interview, Manila, 28 February 2024.

III. An Insurgency on the Retreat

While the government has weakened the rebels politically and militarily over re-cent years, the movement remains afloat. Conflict continues in parts of the Philip-pines, while in December 2023 the CPP issued a statement encouraging its mem-bers to redouble the struggle despite the challenges it faces.

A. A Rebellion at Low Ebb

A complicated succession at the top appears to have debilitated the rebel cause. The nominal leader, Jose Maria Sison, died in exile in December 2022. With the previous passing of the Tiamzons, the highly influential couple who had run the group in the Philippines for decades, the CPP is facing what is perhaps the most severe leadership crisis in its history. [1] The party says it has filled vacancies on the Central Committee, but the current composition of this commanding organ is unknown. [2] The peace negotiating panel, based in Utrecht, is still operational, with Sison’s widow, Juliette de Lima, appointed as its interim chairperson. But it has no control of political and military operations in the Philippines. [3] Whether the movement has in its ranks a new generation of commanders and cadres who could replace the old guard is for now unclear. [4] Some observers speculate that, with its established heads gone, the rebels could face fragmentation. [5] That said, the number of coordinated attacks in 2023 and continuous messaging from the party’s media outlet suggest that it still has a degree of hierarchy. [6]

[1] With Sison in exile, the Tiamzons were in charge of CPP operations on the ground.

[2] A former member of the movement speculated that Rafael Baylosis, a former CPP secretary-general, has become the interim leader. Most sources, however, suggest that the sickly Baylosis is unlikely to be in charge. Crisis Group interviews, Manila, 2 September 2022 and 14 July 2023. Teresa Ellera, “Baylosis to take Sison’s place as CPP chair”, Sunstar Bacolod , 11 May 2023.

[3] Sison had a crucial role as a member of the negotiating team but had more of an advisory function in the last few years, likely due to deteriorating health. Crisis Group interviews, Manila, 12 March and 23 May 2023. Moreover, Sison himself acknowledged that it is the Philippine-based “collective leading organ” that plays the most important role. See Jose Maria Sison, On the GRP-NDFP Peace Negotiations (Utrecht, 2022), p. 383.

[4] In a message from 26 December 2022 published in its mouthpiece, Ang Bayan , the CPP said that all committees should combine “senior, middle-aged and young cadres”.

[5] Crisis Group interviews, March-June 2023.

[6] An observer commented that the insurgents “seemed even more determined” after Sison’s death. Crisis Group interview, Quezon City, 10 April 2023.

The rebels’ military and political wings both appear to be at a low ebb. State officials estimate that the NPA has only 1,500 full-time combatants left. [1] Whether these figures are to be trusted or not, there seems to be little doubt that the insurgency is smaller than ever. [2] Besides its diminished fighting corps, the movement has found it hard to maintain its broader support structure. The guerrillas have long depended for survival on the sympathy of a majority, or at least a substantial minority, of residents in the rural areas where they operate, while also counting on a phalanx of urban dwellers. [3] The counter-insurgency campaign and the rollout of development projects have weakened the movement, with many NPA units trying to evade arrest and political work becoming increasingly arduous. [4]

Generating funds at the local level has also become more difficult. In the countryside, rebels traditionally rely on what they call “revolutionary taxation” (ie, extortion) – of businesses and sometimes individuals – to sustain the movement, but revenue has shrunk in recent years as the insurgents have lost territory and seen the arrest of financial operatives. [5]

While the movement is still trying to recruit cadres and combatants, its survival will depend on resisting the army’s pressure while rebuilding its own political and military strength. [6] The CPP appears mindful of these challenges, saying it considers the recent loss of its leaders an “inspiration” to continue the revolution. [7] In two messages published in December 2022 and March 2023, it outlined how it intends to galvanise the movement, emphasising that it will reinvigorate political and ideological education for cadres and combatants. [8] It also said it had identified tactical flaws in its military operations that contributed to its weaknesses on the battlefield, learning from the mistakes. [9] Finally, it said it would preserve the primacy of Maoist military strategy but would work to introduce innovations, such as the formation of special tactical teams, the creation of local encampments to oversee guerrilla expansion and an emphasis on more mobile techniques of warfare. The CPP is also staying active online, putting out regular communications targeting internet-savvy, younger and minority audiences. [10]

The movement’s efforts to rejuvenate itself culminated in December 2023, when it announced what it called the Third Rectification Movement. [11] Party representatives insisted that the movement has been “gaining ground”. [12] Government officials expressed concern about the announcement’s timing, just weeks after the plan to return to peace talks had been unveiled. [13] The rebels reiterated their commitment to rectification and revolutionary struggle in another statement the following March. [14]

[1] John Mendoza, “NPA down to around 1,500 fighters – AFP”, Inquirer ,26 December 2023. Other experts and independent analysts have a spectrum of estimates, from 1,200-1,500 at the lower end to 2,000 or more at the upper end. Crisis Group interviews, April-July 2023 and 14 March 2024.

[2] In the early 1990s, one of the rebels’ weakest periods, their forces still amounted to 6,000 fighters. See Crisis Group Report, The Communist Insurgency in the Philippines , op. cit., p. 8.

[3] The movement has recruited minors in the past. While it officially claims to have put an end to this practice, reports of underage combatants still surface. Crisis Group interview, humanitarian law expert, 25 February 2024. See also “Report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict in the Philippines”, UN, 21 July 2022.

[4] There are indications that the government is redoubling efforts to target the movement’s urban machinery, including the so-called legal fronts. Crisis Group telephone interviews, former top cadre, 16 July 2023; journalist, 11 September 2023.

[5] According to testimony from former rebels in Caraga region, one unit was able to generate at least $50,000 yearly from two construction companies. “2 alleged rebels in Caraga bare funds from construction firms”, GMA Integrated News, 8 March 2024.

[6] The insurgents have traditionally been open to a wide recruitment pool, including women and members of the LGBTQI+ community. The NPA famously officiated over a gay marriage. On the other hand, there are reports that in some units traditional gender norms still apply.

[7] Crisis Group correspondence, Ka. Ma. Roja Banuan, NDF-Bikol spokesperson, 4 July 2023.

[8] In its publications, the party said fighters underwent basic political education courses in Bicol, Bukidnon and Negros in the first months of 2023. The movement also wants to update its official political program (the last one dates to 2017).

[9] These include an overly cautious attitude about operations, a tendency to fall back to safe zones in the mountains and missed opportunities to strengthen the guerrillas’ support base.

[10] The NPA has accounts on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Discord. A former cadre said the movement is engaging in identity politics to expand its reach, for example, applauding the LGBTQI+ community for its achievements in advancing the revolution. Crisis Group interview, 15 March 2023. The movement also claims to have strengthened its support among students. “ Kabataang Makabayan reinvigorated in key Philippine universities ”, NDF, 12 December 2023. Crisis Group interviews, civil society observer, Manila, 6 February 2024; government officials, 26 February 2024.

[11] “Message to Party Members on 55th Anniversary of the Party’s Foundation”, Central Committee, CPP, 26 December 2023.

[12] Michael Beltran, “Why Philippines’ Maoist rebellion may not end by 2025 despite Manila’s claims”, South China Morning Post , 23 February 2024.

[13] Jonathan Malaya, “The CPP-NPA’s 3rd Rectification Movement is bad news to the peace process”, Rappler , 15 January 2024. Malaya is a member of the Philippine National Security Council.

[14] “Set to blaze the revolutionary armed struggle for national democracy! Carry out the critical and urgent tasks to rectify errors and advance the revolution!”, Central Committee, CPP, 29 March 2024. The statement mentions “active defence warfare” and “redeployment of forces” as means of reversing recent setbacks.

B. Mindanao: A Fading Stronghold

A guerrilla bastion since the late 1970s, Mindanao was the proving ground for the government’s approach of combining military pressure and development projects following the 2017 collapse of peace talks. Most of the NPA’s recruits in Mindanao come from the Lumad, local Indigenous communities often considered the part of the population most neglected by Manila, and whose concerns have shaped the insurgency’s overall identity. [1]

Counter-insurgency operations first intensified in the Davao region, particularly around the NPA’s former strongholds in Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte, weakening the insurgency in both areas. [2] In villages in the hinterlands of Davao City, Duterte’s hometown, activists and the city government developed an initiative known as Peace 911. Launched by Duterte’s daughter Sara, who had replaced her father as mayor, the program aimed to restore the state’s legitimacy in former insurgent bastions, including the notorious Paquibato district. [3] Schemes included creating satellite government offices, consulting with residents about development projects and establishing a hotline for reporting security concerns. Together with the provision of employment opportunities for fighters who surrendered, the program helped stem the rebellion in Davao City’s outskirts. [4]

The initiative was extended to adjacent areas, with some success. Towns such as Magpet, Antipas and Arakan in Cotabato province, where rebels had been highly active in the past, have remained peaceful in recent years. People there say they appreciate the better roads and services the state has provided since 2018. [5] Sarangani, another small province where several towns have been known as hotbeds of insurgency for decades, combined national funds with its own resources to improve public services, including by hiring nurses to work in remote areas and building roads to help farmers get their produce to market. [6]

[1] Crisis Group interview, Davao de Oro, 18 February 2023. According to some estimates, Lumads constitute as many as 70 per cent of the fighters in Mindanao. Cadres or recruiters, however, often come from other regions. Crisis Group interview, Kidapawan City, 25 October 2022.

[2] Between 2016 and 2021, the government claims to have reduced the number of “active insurgents” by 75 per cent, from 900 to 210, and the number of firearms at their disposal by 78 per cent, from 1,150 to 250. “ 60IB media conference ”, video, YouTube, 7 October 2021.

[3] The army had mounted scores of counter-insurgency campaigns in Paquibato, year after year, without achieving notable results. Crisis Group interviews, civil society observers, 17 February 2023.

[4] Crisis Group interview, diplomat, 6 June 2022. The last encounter in the region occurred on 14 September 2022 in Davao Oriental.

[5] Crisis Group interviews, community leaders and civil society representative, Arakan, 26 October 2022.

[6] Crisis Group interviews, local and regional officials, Alabel, 8 February 2023.

Finishing off the insurgency is proving more elusive in eastern and northern Mindanao. Under military pressure since 2018, guerrillas have moved westward into forested hills and are still trying to recruit among Muslim Moros and the Indigenous. [1]

Caraga region in north-eastern Mindanao, comprising the provinces of Agusan del Sur and del Norte, Surigao del Sur and del Norte, is also proving difficult to pacify. [2] Here , the insurgency overlaps with disputes over exploitation of natural resources, particularly logging and mining. Indigenous peoples have a troubled relationship with the state, which they resent for its perceived neglect, feeding into the conflict. [3] Local officials say the military is making headway in winning over public opinion, and that business and tourism are growing, especially in the cities. [4] But traces of conflict are ubiquitous. [5] Army patrols in villages are common, and clashes still take place: during a June 2023 skirmish on the outskirts of one city, Butuan, the military had to resort to airstrikes to fend off the guerrillas. [6] Grievances related to Indigenous rights, resource extraction and land ownership continue to simmer and could spur further conflict unless they are carefully handled. Caraga also borders the vast province of Bukidnon, which the rebels use to hide and move around. [7]

[1] One such area is the boundary between Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon, where the military is still conducting operations against small guerrilla units and CPP political cadres remain active. Crisis Group correspondence, 21 February 2024.

[2] According to Crisis Group data, between 2010 and 2023, every mainland Caraga municipality saw at least one clash. Crisis Group interviews, military officers, Davao, 9 June 2020.

[3] The 1996 Indigenous Peoples Rights Act was an effort to protect the country’s Indigenous communities. While the law marked a step forward, enforcement has been patchy. The conflict has also widened divisions within Indigenous communities, with both state authorities and rebels trying to exploit these fissures to boost their cause . The military tried to spur community leaders to switch their allegiance from the insurgency to the state, often by supplying them with firearms, polarising some communities. In other cases, the state has backed Indigenous leaders who are feuding with others aligned with the rebels. Crisis Group interviews, sources from Caraga, Manila, April 2023; Davao City, 21 June 2023.

[4] Crisis Group interviews, former local government official, Surigao del Norte, 29 May 2020; former NPA rebel commander, 29 October 2022, Manila.

[5] Crisis Group interviews, Butuan, 3-4 June 2023.

[6] Froilan Gallardo, “Soldiers kill 3 in surprise attack but face strong NPA defense in Butuan”, Rappler , 17 June 2023. The communist movement has also highlighted the Agusan and Surigao del Sur provinces as focal points of the Third Rectification movement. Ang Bayan (English edition), 7 April 2024.

[7] Caraga is also the priority region for the 2024 village development program.

C. Visayas: The Last Bastion

Over the last two years, the centre of gravity of the government’s campaign has shifted from Mindanao to the Visayas, a group of islands in the middle of the country, now considered “the last bastion” of the insurgency. [1] The government believes that “a few hundred guerrillas” remain scattered across several “weakened” fronts, particularly in the eastern (Samar and Leyte) and western Visayas (Negros). [2]

Negros, comprising the two provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, is perhaps the most affected island. The dynamics in each province are slightly different: Negros Oriental, where towns are poorer, has only a few hotspots of violence, which, while severe, is not solely rooted in the insurgency. [3] Negros Occidental, on the other hand, has experienced a high level of conflict since 2017, recording the greatest number of clashes per province in the Philippines in the last two years. The main reason is the sugar industry, which has been the island’s economic lifeline for centuries, but also perpetuates stark economic divides. [4] The local hacienda system leads to abuses of farmers and sugar workers, which are fodder for the NPA’s media machine. [5] While sugarcane plantation owners have begun treating employees better in some respects, land grabs, poor wages and violence persist. [6] According to a local mayor, “people turn to insurgency because they are brainwashed [by the rebels]. But then there is clearly the injustice”. [7]

[1] Crisis Group interview, senior military officer, 23 April 2023. The counter-insurgency intensified after 2018, when Duterte issued Memorandum Order 32 to “suppress lawless violence and acts of terror” in Samar and Negros. Memorandum Order 32, op. cit.

[2] Crisis Group interview, senior military officer, Cebu City, 6 June 2023. See also Gilbert Bayoran, “Troops sustain onslaught vs. CPP-NPA”, Visayan Daily Star , 13 March 2024.

[3] Guihulngan, the hometown of rebel leader and former priest Frank Fernandez, has been a particular hotspot, with many killings over the last few years. But the drug war and political competition – with the March 2023 assassination of provincial governor Roel Degamo being a prominent example – are responsible for more casualties than the insurgency. Crisis Group interviews, journalist, Dumaguete, 20-21 March 2023; local government officials and military officers, Tanjay City, 22 March 2023.

[4] Rebellion erupted on the island in the early 1970s, partly inspired by liberation theology, and also in reaction to martial law and intimidation of workers by landlords’ thugs. Crisis Group interview, former top cadre, 16 March 2023.

[5] The hacienda system, dating back to the Spanish colonial era, refers to the management of vast sugar plantations with work forces hundreds strong. In parts of the Negros countryside, the insurgents administer a form of justice, often called “kangaroo courts”, which some residents nevertheless appear to prefer to the state system. While not as intense as in the past, resentment of the official justice system still fuels conflict on the island. Crisis Group correspondence, source from Negros, 8 April 2024.

[6] The COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic hardships have further affected the lives of farmers and poor people. Crisis Group interview, journalist, Manila, 31 January 2023.

[7] Crisis Group interview, mayor in Negros Oriental, 18 March 2023.

The rebels are nevertheless on the back foot, having suffered heavy losses for years, including among their local leaders. [1] Moving between the plains and mountain hideouts, the rebels benefit from logistical support in urban centres. But the challenges they face are mounting. Differences among cadres regarding the movement’s political and military direction have adversely affected operations. The rebels have also alienated local people with their behaviour, with some of them prizing economic returns and resembling hired goons. Much as the NPA enjoys popular backing in some places, rebel executions of “class enemies”, such as sugar planters, businesspeople and military informers, push others away, including members of the middle class. [2] Some of the more gung-ho actions are likely taken by younger, overzealous commanders who lack the older generation’s finesse in guerrilla warfare. [3]

With the military pushing hard to dismantle the remaining NPA units since early 2023, parts of Negros are trapped in conflict, with civilians intimidated by both soldiers and rebels. [4] The hillside villages around Himamaylan and Kabankalan, in particular, are beset with clashes and displacement. Some military commanders are impatient with mayors whom they perceive as insufficiently supportive of efforts to tackle the insurgents. [5] Local officials, in turn, are concerned by the intensity of the counter-insurgency campaign. [6] Rebels burnish their appeal by pointing to perceived military overreach and portraying government projects as largely useless in the face of creeping impoverishment. [7] Though the army is on the offensive, rebels occasionally hit back. [8] “The war here is far from over”, a local told Crisis Group. [9]

The military is also having trouble ending the insurgency in Samar. Scores of rebel fighters have been killed over the decades, but the government has never managed to dislodge them fully. [10] Many of the cadres released in 2016 – including the Tiamzons – made for the province, which to them was familiar territory. [11] A guerrilla-held zone on the island even hosted the CPP’s Second Party Congress in 2016. [12]

Even in Samar, however, the government has achieved gains over recent years. The 8th Infantry Division has relied on intelligence work, pursuing the Tiamzons, for instance, as well as carefully calibrated use of force. [13] In response, in August 2022, the 200-300 Samar-based guerrillas divided up their large formations into more than a dozen smaller units to avoid detection. [14] Yet the armed forces continued to apply pressure. On 6 January, government forces killed a key rebel leader in Borongan town in Eastern Samar. [15] The last group of hardened insurgents, numbering over 100, is holed up in the hinterlands between Northern Samar and its adjacent provinces. [16] The rebels’ support networks are also weakened. [17]

As in Negros, the insurgents in Samar are struggling. But some elements of Manila’s approach may play in their favour, starting with the slow delivery on promises such as socio-economic assistance to surrendered combatants. [18] Frustration could lead disillusioned ex-fighters to return to the guerrillas’ ranks and dissuade others from demobilising. Reports even suggest that some fighters have buried their weapons in caches and are planning to go back to war once conditions are more favourable. [19]

[1] The rebels face difficulties in their command structure as a result of these losses. While exact numbers are hard to come by, it seems that somewhere between 45 and 60 fighters – and possibly fewer – are left in the region. The military’s latest estimate of the number in Negros Occidental is just over 30 fighters. Glazyl Masculino, “NPA combatants in Negros Occ. decreased significantly – Army”, Daily Guardian , 6 March 2024.

[2] Crisis Group interview, local officials, February-March 2023. The Leonardo Pangalinan NPA command in particular has been known to put offenders to death. A recent case occurred in Toboso town on 2 January 2024, when the rebels executed Juvie Sarona, who had allegedly been behind the killing of several farmers during the 2018 Sagay massacre. A few weeks after, the NPA owned up to having killed a village councillor’s husband, also in Toboso town.

[3] An observer noted that some of them could be political activists who decided to join the armed struggle. Crisis Group interview, Manila, 19 June 2023.

[4] Crisis Group interviews, March-April 2023.

[5] Crisis Group interview, military officers, Cauayan, 24 March 2023.

[6] Crisis Group telephone interview, journalist, 17 July 2023.

[7] Dry weather in Negros as a result of El Niño has done massive damage to sugarcane fields and caused water shortages on the island, with a congressional deputy warning of “social unrest” as a result. “Yulo calls no cloud seeding report frustrating, warns of social unrest”, Digicast Negros, 20 March 2024. The local rebel Mount Cansermon command has encouraged people to continue the “democratic revolution”. Statement by Dionesio Magbuelas, spokesperson, NPA-South Central Negros, 17 March 2024.

[8] After a clash in February 2024, the military employed airstrikes against rebels. Reymund Titong, “Military launches airstrike after fierce clashes in Negros Occidental”, Rappler , 23 February 2024. Three hundred families evacuated due to the hostilities.

[9] Crisis Group interview, Bacolod, 24 March 2023.

[10] In the 1980s, two thirds of Samar’s territory was under NPA influence. Crisis Group interview, former top cadre, Catbalogan City, 11 March 2023. The military went on a particularly intense offensive in 2005, but despite losing hundreds of fighters, the insurgency recovered.

[11] A former top NPA commander said Samar-based guerrillas were among the most ideological. Crisis Group interview, Tacloban, 10 March 2023.

[12] Crisis Group interviews, Catbalogan City, 6-8 March 2023. The rebels in Samar at that time numbered around 700 fighters. A key decision at the congress was to redeploy cadres from Mindanao to Luzon and the Visayas, in an attempt to stretch government forces thin.

[13] Surrendering fighters who knew the intricacies of rebel movements on the island were a big help. Moreover, in the course of the operations in Samar, the NPA regional command head was killed. Crisis Group interview, journalist, 31 January 2023.

[14] “ AFP’s 8-month rebel chase in Samar ”, Rappler , 19 October 2022. In April 2023, the military said it had cleared two fronts, and in June it asserted that only one front was left, which officers considered “already weakened”. The CPP said this claim was “utterly laughable”. Crisis Group interviews, senior military commander, 23 July 2023; Marco Valbuena, CPP chief information officer, 24 July 2023.

[15] Miriam Desacada, “‘NPA leader’ slain in Eastern Samar encounter”, Philippine Star , 8 January 2024.

[16] Connected to the Bicol and Caraga regions, Northern Samar served as a logistical hub for coordinating rebel movements. Crisis Group telephone interview, senior military commander, 23 July 2023.

[17] Crisis Group interview, police official, Catbalogan, 9 March 2023. The rebels also failed to secure monetary support for their “permit to campaign”. Even so, some sources claim that many rebel units in Samar remain intact. Crisis Group correspondence, 27 March 2024.

[18] In Matuguinao, for example, over 150 rebels surrendered between 2019 and 2022. Crisis Group interview, local official, Catbalogan City, 8 March 2023.

[19] Crisis Group interview, local journalist, Manila, 17 February 2024.

D. Luzon: Pockets of Resistance

Luzon, the Philippines’ largest island, is less affected than others by the conflict with the communists. As it is home to the national capital, it enjoys better economic conditions than other parts of the country. Security operations over the last fifteen years have also weakened the movement’s political and military base. Still, pockets of violence persist, for example in the Southern Tagalog region, the site of a police and military crackdown during the COVID-19 pandemic that included alleged human rights abuses. [1] In the north of Luzon, sustained military operations forced rebel formations to move back to the mountains known as the Cordillera or to adjacent areas such as Cagayan and Isabela provinces. [2] Government forces also aim to prevent a guerrilla resurgence on the eastern side of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Central Luzon. [3]

The southern portion of the island, Bicol region and the adjacent Quezon province, are traditional communist strongholds. [4] At present, even some of the movement’s supporters admit that it has “been weakened”. [5] But “lightning attacks”, rebel strikes from out of nowhere to grab firearms and score propaganda points, were still taking place in early 2023. [6] There have also been reports of extortion of business owners and, in March 2023, a clash near a school in Masbate made national headlines. [7] Aiming to boost development, the national government had allocated a chunk of counter-insurgent funds to Bicol two months earlier. [8] In the first four months of 2024, fourteen clashes in Bicol, Quezon and Batangas, even if mostly initiated by government forces, showed the insurgency’s staying power. [9]

[1] In March 2021, soldiers and police killed nine activists in an incident known as Bloody Sunday, sparking outrage across the Philippines. State investigations into the killings are in limbo. Tetch Torres-Tupas, “Murder raps vs. 17 cops in ‘Bloody Sunday’ raids dismissed”, Inquirer , 18 January 2023.

[2] The Cordilleras are generally free of conflict, unlike in the past, though human rights violations and extrajudicial killings are still reported. The Abra province saw clashes in 2023 – continuing into 2024 – after a period without any. In 2023, the air force also bombed rebel positions in Kalinga province and the towns of Baggao and Gonzaga in Cagayan province.

[3] Hilda Austria, “Army sustains fight vs insurgency in Pangasinan”, Philippine News Agency, 12 March 2024.

[4] Quezon in particular has been a hotbed of NPA activity. Its mountains and the Bondoc peninsula offer easy refuge, and its location makes it a stepping stone to the Visayas and Mindanao. As of early 2024, small rebel units can pass through parts of the province, but the guerrillas find it difficult to stay in villages for long.

[5] Crisis Group, telephone interviews, NPA sympathisers, March 2023. A key rebel leader in Bicol region was also captured in late February. Crisis Group correspondence, 28 February 2024.

[6] Crisis Group interview, church official, Legazpi City, 23 February 2023.

[7] Janvic Mateo, “Masbate AFP-NPA clashes disrupt classes”, Philippine Star , 24 March 2023. The number of incidents in Masbate has traditionally been disproportionate to its small size. The island has been one of the most politically contested provinces in the Philippines.

[8] Marlon Atun, “261 barangay sa Bicol tatanggap ng P6.6 milyon bawat isa mula sa NTF-Elcac”, Philippine Information Agency, 31 January 2023.

[9] Even in these areas, the party’s “mass base” is on the decline, but its long history there makes it hard for the government to fully control every patch of the countryside. Crisis Group interview, long-time observer, 10 April 2023.

IV. Managing the Fallout of Conflict

Recent military advances have raised the prospect of the rebels’ definitive defeat. Although the NPA has recovered from setbacks in the past, most recently in the 1990s, many observers agree that this time a revival is unlikely. Even so, the conflict is not over. In 2022, clashes related to the insurgency killed over 250 people; the next year, the death toll stood at over 220, with incidents occurring in 42 of the 82 Philippine provinces. [1] In 2024 to date, the conflict has killed 45 people, wounded seventeen and displaced at least 550 families. [2] At the same time, the rural conflict could have new manifestations. The rebel movement could splinter, either on ideological grounds (not uncommon in communist insurgencies) or due to local schisms. [3] Alternatively, the rebels might turn to crime, according to those familiar with them, or seek work as violent enforcers for political figures. [4] Another scenario could entail a smaller but more lethal communist movement under new leadership. [5]

[1] Crisis Group data.

[2] Crisis Group data.

[3] Regional NPA units have split from the movement in the past, for example in the Visayas in the early 1990s.

[4] Crisis Group interviews, former cadres, independent observers and community-based workers, 2020-2023.

[5] Crisis Group interviews, former member of government negotiating panel, Manila, 15 May 2020; government official, 19 January 2024; diplomat, 2 March 2024.

Victory for the Philippine government appears closer than in the past but not yet clearly within reach. Defeat of the rebels and lasting peace in the countryside are likely to prove elusive unless more is done to address the roots of conflict. With this reality in mind, many analysts expressed guarded optimism following the surprise announcement that talks between Manila and the rebels would resume. But support for peace negotiations and an eventual agreement aiming to address deep-seated grievances is far from unanimous, with parts of the military and Vice President Sara Duterte voicing outright opposition immediately after the announcement in late November. [1] The military has also kept up the tempo of its operations against the insurgents in the first quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, Marcos, Jr. offered amnesty to those rebels who want to surrender. [2] The National Security Council reiterated the overture, calling on rebels to “return to the fold of the law”. [3]

[1] Until the talks were announced, government officials tended to dismiss the need for negotiations, arguing instead that the best ways to counter the rebellion were to improve governance, hasten economic development and apply military pressure, giving insurgents a way out through surrenders. Crisis Group interviews, government officials, Manila, 25 June 2022; 21 April 2023; 2 February 2024.

[2] Jairo Bolledo, “Marcos grants amnesty to rebels”, Rappler , 24 November 2023.

[3] Hana Bordey, “NSA Año urges ex-rebels to apply for gov’t amnesty program”, GMA News Online, 26 March 2024. Manila has also convened meetings of former communist leaders in support of the talks. Ryan Rosauro, “Ex-rebels vow to help widen support for peace talks”, Inquirer , 23 January 2024.

A. Preparing for Talks

Pursuing dialogue with the rebels should serve the Marcos, Jr. administration’s interests, allowing it to reaffirm its readiness to put a full stop to one of Asia’s longest-running communist insurgencies. [1] It could also enable the government to achieve the strategic goal of shifting attention from internal security to external defence. [2] As Manila’s priorities move toward modernising its military, especially the navy and air force, counter-insurgency increasingly looks like a distraction. [3]

With a first official meeting between the sides expected in the near future, a good-faith peace process that concludes in a negotiated settlement appears within striking distance. But if the conversations are to be fruitful, compromise on what to expect from them will be of paramount importance. Despite a commitment to talks, the government and rebels harbour starkly different expectations of what they might entail. The NDF is sticking to its traditional expansive set of demands. It refuses what it calls “surrender talks”. [4] Having enhanced its bargaining power with its counter-insurgent campaign, Manila, on the other hand, is likely to push for a much more restricted agenda. [5] Even so, the possible involvement of senior military figures – an important advance from the last, failed round of negotiations – signals that the government views these talks as a major opportunity to end the conflict. [6]

[1] Crisis Group telephone interview, peace process observer, 22 July 2023. See also Crisis Group Commentary, “The Philippines: Keeping the Bangsamoro Peace Process on Track”, 30 January 2024.

[2] Georgi Engelbrecht, “Manila’s focus on external defense needs peace in Mindanao”, The Diplomat , 8 May 2023. The goal of strengthening the Philippines’ defence capabilities is rooted in Manila’s view that it needs to be ready for maritime tensions with China amid the strategic competition between Washington and Beijing.

[3] “AFP wants to end insurgency within 2024”, Philippine Daily Inquirer , 15 February 2024.

[4] Raymund Villanueva, “NDFP consultants welcome return of peace talks to national level”, Kodao Productions, 27 March 2024. The four traditional NDF concerns are: 1) respect for human rights and humanitarian law; 2) social and economic reforms; 3) political, electoral and constitutional reforms; and 4) an end to hostilities.

[5] Officials in Manila espouse a range of views about how to engage in talks and which compromises are acceptable. Crisis Group interviews, state officials, January-February 2024.

[6] Crisis Group interviews, international observers, Manila, 6 December 2023, 26 January 2024. Some military officers are still averse to peace talks, which explains why officials from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity have been visiting various commands to discuss the talks. Crisis Group correspondence, 5 March 2024.

To bridge their differences, the government and rebels should aim to build on the Oslo Joint Statement and Communiqué of 23 November 2023, which called for a peaceful end to the conflict. Both should also prepare a list of principles to guide the agenda for negotiations. [1] These principles could include mutual commitment to rural development and to participation by rebel cadres in formal political life. [2] In addition, community leaders across the archipelago told Crisis Group that the talks should tackle the precarious living conditions of Indigenous people trapped in the conflict. [3] The reference to “environmental issues” in the Oslo statement also gives the sides an opportunity to discuss remedies for areas affected by conflict and natural disasters, for example parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. [4]

Compromises between the sides will be difficult, but prospects may improve if the parties can take concrete steps to engender trust. As a confidence-building measure, Manila should consider releasing the oldest and sickest NDF members on humanitarian grounds, including those who might become members of the negotiating panel. [5] Another feasible step would be to guarantee freedom of movement for NDF negotiators, which successive governments have been reluctant to do. The rebels could reciprocate by agreeing to local, temporary cessations of hostilities, with clear rules as to which acts are prohibited. [6] On this basis, the sides could look to establish a mechanism for monitoring and verification of human rights and compliance with international humanitarian law to stay in effect as long as the conflict continues. [7]

The complexity of the issues and difficulties of building confidence between the sides suggest that talks should not be rushed, even if the process moves more slowly than Manila would like. The parties should convene internal consultations to build constituencies for peace. Manila has taken a step in this direction, with the counter-insurgency task force calling the Oslo “exploratory talks” a “welcome development”. [8] On the rebel side, it will be particularly important to strengthen communication among party leaders, the negotiating panel and field commanders in order to ensure a cohesive approach to talks and compliance with any agreement. [9] Views differ within the party, with some seeing peace talks as a genuine objective and others regarding them as an instrumentalist tactic. Its leaders need to bridge the gap and tell cadres and the government that they have done so. [10]

Both parties should also seek to incorporate a wide variety of voices in the negotiations. The government and NDF should have women negotiators and Indigenous representatives on their respective panels and in any working group that may be created, helping ensure that talks reflect the views of the grassroots. [11] In addition, once the talks start, government negotiators should in parallel conduct “town hall” meetings in conflict-affected areas to hear the most pressing concerns of local citizens.

[1] For models, the two sides could look to the “Decision Points on Principles” of the Bangsamoro peace process, which paved the way for the first agreement between Manila and the Moro rebels in 2012. Past agreements between Manila and the communists, even if they largely have been set aside, could offer additional guidance in developing these principles or points. For instance, the draft agreements on social and economic reforms developed during the 2016-2017 talks might be helpful. Crisis Group correspondence, 12 April 2024.

[2] One prominent civil society leader said the principles should include a commitment to “local peace and development zones”. Crisis Group interview, Manila, 23 January 2024. As for political participation, the communiqué stipulates that “resolving the roots of the armed conflict and ending the armed struggle shall pave the way for the transformation of the CPP-NPA-NDFP”.

[3] Crisis Group interviews, Mindanao, Negros and Caraga regions, 2022-2023.

[4] Environmental protection discussions could address protected forests in former guerrilla strongholds as well as safeguards for communities regarding development projects, such as mining operations, in conflict-affected areas.

[5] The military is very averse to this idea. Crisis Group interview, retired senior officer, 20 December 2023. A compromise could be to put the consultants under house arrest with regular visits from members of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

[6] These agreements would naturally have to apply to government forces as well.

[7] Manila and the rebels could also draw lessons from the Joint Monitoring Committee, inaugurated in 2004 to investigate humanitarian law violations, for such a body. In addition, short of a ceasefire, the two sides could set up a mechanism that would ensure joint monitoring and verification of issues of mutual concern. Ideally, the mechanism would feature not only representatives of both sides, but also members of the Philippine Human Rights Commission, independent civil society figures and – if the sides agree – even foreigners.

[8] “Memorandum on ‘Guidance on the Signing of the Oslo Joint Communique’”, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, 3 December 2023. Following the announcement, however, the armed forces pressed ahead with operations aimed at dismantling the remaining guerrilla fronts.

[9] The rebels could appoint top political or military cadres to the panel.

[10] Communications from the CPP and NDF over recent months have repeatedly emphasised the rectification campaign and “the people’s struggle”, without prominently mentioning the exploratory talks. The NDF appears to see no contradiction between rectification and pursuing talks, wishing to negotiate from “a position of strength”. “ Panayam Kay Julie de Lima Sison (Huling Bahagi) ”, video, YouTube, 26 March 2024.

[11] Manila should also consider appointing the chair of the counter-insurgency task force as a panel member.

B. Adjusting the Counter-insurgency

The government’s holistic counter-insurgency approach has weakened the rebels, but with peace talks on the horizon, authorities could improve it. Above all, Manila should tone down rhetoric stigmatising individuals and communities, putting an end to red-tagging that, in effect, criminalises political dissent. In addition, Manila should step up efforts to evaluate the counter-insurgent task force’s operations and make recommendations regarding its mandate and future funding. [1] Stronger civilian oversight of the task force, drawing on the expertise of representatives from national government agencies, Congress, civil society and academia, could help it become more community-oriented and transparent, while placing more women in top management positions would make it more representative. [2] Over time, and so long as the conflict abates, Manila should strengthen the agency’s civilian identity and continue its focus on spurring development in conflict-stricken areas. [3]

National and local authorities should also aim to fine-tune the inter-agency approach to make it more responsive to community needs. While a complete revamp of the pre-set list of development projects seems unlikely, ensuring that local civil society has a greater say in the initiatives that are proposed, and oversight while they are being implemented, is feasible. Manila could also do more to supervise local officials who oversee implementation. [4] More concerted efforts could also be made to address the reasons for project delays and other problems as well as to plan responses to possible funding gaps. [5] In municipalities or clusters of towns where service delivery has been lagging, officials could encourage local governments to establish “satellite offices” in remote areas that could employ health and administrative personnel. [6] Together with civil society, these municipalities should also prepare development plans that respond to the specific needs of women and ethno-linguistic minorities, for example in the Caraga region. [7]

Lastly, Manila needs to improve its treatment of rebels who have surrendered. Even though the program for surrenders is in place, funding has fallen short. The government should assess what additional resources are required to meet the needs of former rebels, strengthen program oversight and come up with a plan for housing ex-combatants, some of whom still live in military camps.

[1] During a visit to the Philippines, UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan urged Manila to abolish the inter-agency task force and to issue a presidential order to develop a policy against red-tagging. Officials expressed disagreement with the advice. Jairo Bolledo, “UN’s Khan urges Marcos: Abolish NTF-ELCAC”, Rappler , 2 February 2024.

[2] Crisis Group interview, independent observer, Bacolod City, 15 March 2023.

[3] Crisis Group interviews, government officials, February 2024; documents made available to Crisis Group. Jean Mangaluz, “NTF-Elcac to transition into unity and peace task force – official”, Inquirer , 2 February 2024.

[4] In this regard, authorities can call on the assistance of the Department of Interior and Local Government, which plays a key role in the inter-agency task force.

[5] In early April, Marcos, Jr. instructed his cabinet to increase village development funds. Raymund Antonio, “PBBM orders increase of funds for this year’s barangay dev’t program”, Manila Bulletin , 4 April 2024.

[6] These initiatives should focus on municipalities in Negros Occidental, Samar and Bukidnon.

[7] Crisis Group interview, Magpet, 28 October 2022.

C. Strengthening the Rule of Law

Protecting communities that bear the brunt of the conflict and strengthening the rule of law in conflict-affected areas remain crucial to lasting peace. Grievances regarding security force operations and the actions of local officials continue to fuel resentment of the state that rebels regularly exploit.

The military can help mitigate these resentments through stronger safeguards relating to the use of force, particularly with respect to protecting civilians. It should stop using a heavy hand with communities it suspects of being sympathetic to the insurgency, reducing coercive interactions with civilians. [1] The armed forces should also more closely monitor the operations of paramilitaries such as the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Units and punish any transgressions. [2] Finally, they should allow safe, unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected villages, regardless of whether these are near rebel-influenced areas. Where the military is hesitant to do so out of concern the relief could benefit the insurgents, it should coordinate with civil society groups and local governments to create humanitarian corridors so that aid reaches the intended recipients. [3] Similarly, the armed forces should ensure that farmers in conflict-affected areas can harvest their crops without harassment. [4]

[1] Each military unit’s human rights officer could also be tasked with monitoring possible overreach through red-tagging.

[2] In Negros, in particular, paramilitaries were identified as responsible for humanitarian law violations. Crisis Group interviews, civil society representatives, March 2023.

[3] In the past, rural dwellers, local officials and civil society leaders proposed setting up “peace zones” – areas where the sides would cease fire for the sake of community well-being. But over the years, these initiatives have eroded from the Cordilleras to Negros.

[4] Crisis Group interviews, 5 October 2022.

To win local legitimacy, the Philippine state also needs to strengthen the rule of law and curb injustices that generate disaffection in areas where the insurgency is strongest. Training more police and deploying more women officers to provide safety and order is particularly important if the state wishes to consolidate its authority in parts of the countryside where rebels are in retreat or have already retreated, for example in Davao. [1] The police should also strengthen its mechanisms to punish abuses by officers. At the same time, authorities should look to give more resources to local courts, filling vacant judicial positions and improving case management so that conflict-affected communities can get better access to the justice system.

For legal and humanitarian reasons – and to create a climate of good-will ahead of negotiations – the rebels should also protect non-combatants, including by avoiding setting up encampments near sites such as schools and steering clear of targeting civilians. [2] They should also honour their pledge not to recruit minors. [3]

[1] While the police may not yet be capable of taking over provision of public safety from the military in rural areas affected by conflict, the Marcos, Jr. administration appears to be considering transferring this responsibility to law enforcement in the long term. As of now, the police are playing a support role to the military’s counter-insurgency campaign.

[2] Officially, the movement claims to adhere to humanitarian law. In the past, it has released captured soldiers and sometimes issued apologies when it has harmed civilians. It claims to have developed internal mechanisms for dealing with transgressions, for example compensating aggrieved parties and cooperating with the peace panel – the NDF – in cases of alleged violations after the NDF signed an agreement with the Philippine government in the 1990s committing to respect human rights and humanitarian law (see earlier footnote). Crisis Group correspondence, Marco Valbuena, CPP chief information officer, 24 July 2023. The government has filed several complaints against the NPA with the Commission of Human Rights. See also Priam Nepomuceno, “NPA rights violations piling up: AFP”, Philippine News Agency, 6 November 2022.

[3] In 1992, the NPA amended its rules to stipulate that eighteen is the minimum age for recruitment. Crisis Group correspondence, Marco Valbuena, CPP chief information officer, 24 July 2023.

D. Boosting Livelihoods in Conflict Zones

Land ownership is a root cause of the insurgency, and the notion of “agrarian revolution” remains a staple of CPP ideology. [1] In conflict-affected regions such as Bicol, Negros and Samar, agriculture is the economic lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Filipinos, yet farmers live in poverty and bear the brunt of the war. About 22.4 per cent of the population, or more than one fifth of the country, lives in or near poverty, but some provinces where insurgents operate face a rate one and a half times as high. [2] Considering that farming communities provide a steady stream of recruits for the rebels, improving livelihoods in the countryside should be at the heart of efforts to build peace. [3]

First, the Philippine government should use the village development program to increase the number of agricultural projects it funds in conflict-affected areas rather than focusing almost exclusively on infrastructure development. These initiatives should go beyond mere distribution of livestock and fertilisers. [4] Projects geared toward providing better equipment such as storage facilities or machinery could boost the income and productivity of farmers, as could better access to training. [5] Local governments, with support from the national government’s Departments of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, should support these initiatives with know-how and capital, while calling on agrarian experts from civil society and academia for advice, for example on how best to diversify crops. [6]

Secondly, national authorities should press ahead with land reform, particularly if agreement on this issue is reached in peace talks with the rebels. [7] Even though distributing land more fairly has been official policy in the Philippines since 1988, the results have often not met expectations. [8] The government should take steps that would galvanise reform but do not require, in the words of a former official, “reinventing the wheel”. [9] Officials should seek to identify public land in or near conflict-affected areas and develop plans to redistribute these plots to landless farmers, as well as bolster schemes to enhance land productivity. [10] They should also assess the challenges facing previous reform efforts in Negros, Samar and Northern Mindanao so as to avoid repeating past mistakes in conflict-affected areas. [11] Lastly, they should establish specific programs of support for women farmers, for example by improving credit services, enhancing technical training and strengthening women’s roles in land governance.

[1] Crisis Group interview, NDF panellist, Utrecht, 14 December 2022. Regions where the insurgency continues, for example Negros, Bicol and Bukidnon, have economies oriented toward farming.

[2] Iya Gozum, “Philippines’ poverty incidence down in first half of 2023”, Rappler , 22 December 2023.

[3] In October 2022, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, agriculture employed 22.5 per cent of the country’s workers, some 10.6 million people. Cristina Eloisa Baclig, “PH farms getting empty: Agriculture job loss a worrying trend”, Inquirer , 8 December 2022. Women comprise more than a quarter of workers in Philippine agriculture, but official data fails to take account of informal work carried out by rural women. Other challenges for women include lower wages, socio-cultural norms complicating applications for land titles and agricultural policies that often lack a gender lens. See also “Crafting Policies and Programs for Women in the Agriculture Sector”, Philippine Institute for Development Studies, July 2018.

[4] Crisis Group interviews, Visayas residents, March-May 2023.

[5] Crisis Group interviews, NGO workers, Catbalogan, 11 March 2023; Dumaguete, 19 March 2023. Cooperatives and associations of former NPA combatants could play a crucial role in training for farmers.

[6] Such measures would go a long way toward demonstrating Marcos, Jr.’s avowed commitment to improving agricultural output countrywide. Anna Bajo, “Marcos renews commitment to enhance agricultural productivity”, GMA News Online, 25 October 2023.

[7] Iya Gozum, “After 35 years of CARP, are Filipino farmers free?”, Rappler , 12 June 2023.

[8] Crisis Group interviews, Negros and Manila, April-May 2023. The reform, which was rolled out from 1988 to 2014, envisioned a ceiling on land holdings and redistribution of public and private lands to small farmers. In some regions, big landholdings were split up, but in others oligarchic land ownership is still the norm. See Tasso Adamopoulos and Diego Restuccia, “Land Reform and Productivity: A Quantitative Analysis with Micro Data”, American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics , vol. 12, no. 3 (2020).

[9] Crisis Group interview, Quezon City, 23 May 2023. Pursuing complete land reform would in all likelihood draw fierce opposition from the landed oligarchy.

[10] A positive step was Marcos, Jr.’s enactment of a law eliminating the debt of more than 500,000 farmers. “New law writes off P57-B farmers’ debt”, Manila Times , 8 July 2023. Productivity could be improved by diversifying crops, using technology more effectively and resolving pending land cases at the agriculture department.

[11] Crisis Group interview, civil society representative, Manila, 19 February 2024.

E. Supporting Local Peacebuilding

Even if levels of violence fall, there is and will continue to be a need for peacebuilding aimed at bridging differences in conflict-affected areas and promoting more inclusive local authorities. Beyond government agencies, civil society organisations are among the best placed to do this job, as they have earned credibility from years working on humanitarian, environmental and rehabilitation issues. [1]

Supporting these groups could be a way for donors to contribute to peace and stability. [2] While red-tagging still occurs, the political conditions for this sort of work have slightly improved since the Duterte presidency ended. [3] Some donors and international organisations are interested in helping with peacebuilding in principle but concerned about running afoul of the government. [4] An indirect approach could offer a way forward: funding small pilot projects that focus on climate change adaptation and disaster relief – issues of concern to Manila – while not losing sight of peacebuilding goals. [5] This course of action would be cost-effective and broadly in line with the Marcos, Jr. government’s thinking. [6]

[1] Crisis Group interview, source close to the 2016-2017 peace talks, Manila, 14 February 2023; source from the Bicol region, Manila, 10 April 2023; community leader, Surigao del Sur, 16 December 2023.

[2] The vast majority of donor support, according to some estimates around 75 per cent, goes to the Bangsamoro peace process and broader development programming in the country.

[3] Most observers agree that such rhetoric has cooled under Marcos, Jr., but whether red-tagging is on the wane remains debateable.

[4] Crisis Group interviews, 22 February 2023, 22 January 2024.

[5] Crisis Group interviews, civil society worker, Silay, 4 September 2023; humanitarian and development NGO head, Manila, 27 February 2024.

[6] Donors need not divert their attention from the Bangsamoro peace process to address climate change adaptation, which is a priority for the Marcos, Jr. administration, ensuring its buy-in to potential projects.

V. Conclusion

The Maoist insurgency in the Philippines is at its lowest ebb in decades. But it has not been vanquished, and the armed conflict remains both a challenge for the state and a threat to public safety in pockets across the country. The government’s military successes in the last few years have lent it confidence in its capacity to end the rebellion once and for all. But Manila may be underestimating the rebels’ resilience; moreover, the political, social and economic grievances that have driven the rebel cause over decades could stoke last-ditch resistance among parts of the guerrilla force or new manifestations of violence.

Manila’s attempts to transform the conditions that have fuelled the communist rebellion are at the heart of its quest to close this painful chapter in the country’s history. But while it is on the right track, refinements in its development policies are required to win over certain communities, and its sometimes heavy-handed approach continues to sow unnecessary distress. With peace talks slated to resume soon, the government should seize the opportunity to work patiently toward a definitive end to the conflict, beginning with modest confidence-building steps. So long as the trajectory and outcome of talks are uncertain, Manila should also strive to balance its counter-insurgent efforts with a peacebuilding approach that stresses adherence to the rule of law and inclusive development.

The Philippine state has done much to blunt the guerrilla movement and deplete its ranks. Now is the time to reach further in its bid to tackle the political, social and economic causes that fuel the insurgency, so that this decades-old conflict can finally draw to a conclusion.

Manila/Brussels, 19 April 2024

Appendix A: Map of the Communist Armed Conflict in the Philippines

The history of the communist insurgency in the Philippines can be divided into different periods. These are: 1) the movement’s origins (1968-1972); 2) its expansion and growth during the Marcos dictatorship (1972-1986); 3) a time of retrenchment (1986-1996); 4) on-and-off resurgence (1996-2016); and 5) an escalation of conflict followed by decline (2016 to the present). This appendix covers the first four.

Origins and Early Stages (1968-1972)

Antecedents of social revolt appeared in the Philippines in the colonial era, as well as in the 1940s and 1950s. The most prominent was the Huk uprising. The Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon (or Hukbalahap or the Huks) was an anti-Japanese guerrilla movement during World War II. In 1946, the Huks began fighting the Philippine government, to resist political repression and landlordism but also to advance an ideological agenda. [1] The Huks had close ties with the Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, the Philippine Communist Party, but also operated on their own. [2] By 1954, the administration of President Ramon Magsaysay had defeated the movement through combined military, police and civic action. [3] The governments that followed, however, were unable to carry out reforms that might have prevented its resurgence. More than a decade later, in 1968, the CPP emerged during a period of social upheaval and prolonged economic stagnation. It drew its members from both the left-wing intelligentsia, including students, and veterans of the old party who were dissatisfied with their leaders.

In 1969, the party formed an armed wing, the NPA. [4] The nucleus of the new guerrillas teamed up with Huk remnants under Bernabe “Kumander Dante” Buscayno in central Luzon and began expanding. [5] CPP founder Jose Maria Sison envisaged the province of Isabela and the adjacent mountain ranges in northern Luzon, where the CPP Central Committee moved in 1970, as a launchpad for offensives. [6]

Martial Law and the Marcos Years (1972-1986)

President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.’s imposition of martial law on 23 September 1972, on the grounds of perceived unrest in Manila and outside, enabled the movement to expand and challenge state power. [7] In the early 1970s, the NPA had around 1,000 to 2,000 fighters, but by the end of Marcos’s rule that number had grown to an estimated 20,000 or more, as the military focused on dealing with Mindanao’s Moro secessionist groups. [8] The communist rebels also benefitted from the repression of the Marcos years. Massacres, corruption and everyday violence drove more people to fight the dictator and his cronies. The rebels also took advantage of the Philippine archipelago’s geographical spread. [9] Their major theatres were Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. [10]

Mindanao in particular proved to be a perfect environment for unrest. The islanders harboured a variety of grievances, such as landlessness, resource exploitation, inequality and violence against Indigenous minorities, that found echoes in the insurgency’s proclaimed agenda. [11] In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the regions of Davao and Zamboanga, followed by Agusan, Surigao and Misamis, all became staging grounds for guerrilla offensives.

The rebels reached their political-military peak in the mid-1980s, when they not only controlled territory and operated hit squads in cities across the country, but also attacked military bases. [12] Guerrilla units merged into bigger formations, often engaging the armed forces in conventional battles. [13] Starting in the early 1980s, cities experienced strikes and uprisings, with political coalitions engaging in mass mobilisation. [14] Many cadres experimented with new political and military strategies. [15] By the time a popular uprising forced Marcos out of office, the rebels were active in almost every Philippine province.

The Corazon Aquino Years (1986-1992)

The movement then fell into decline, due to four factors. First, it decided to boycott the 1986 polls. Marcos had called these snap elections before the uprising, but the rebel leadership was convinced the polls would not be fair even with him gone. [16] It proved to be a major mistake, since the CPP was the dominant anti-Marcos political force. [17] Secondly, purges harmed the structure of party and its armed wing, alienating many cadres. [18] The number of fighters in Mindanao, for example, fell by some 50 per cent. [19] Thirdly, military operations intensified as the armed forces tried to exploit the movement’s weaknesses after a temporary ceasefire in 1986 fell apart. [20]

But perhaps most important was a fourth factor: a split in the movement over policy disagreements. Debates on strategy and the 1986 election boycott decision culminated in Sison’s publication of a strategic document to “reaffirm” ideological orthodoxy, denounce ideological adventurism and push for “rectification” – namely, a return to classical Maoist doctrine of protracted people’s war. [21] The document triggered strong reactions from party members and grassroots supporters, ranging from disbelief to firm opposition, and reflecting frustration with Sison’s dogmatism. [22] A substantial part of the movement split off. [23] Estimates suggest that it lost 40 per cent of its combatants, 40 per cent of its territory, 15 per cent of party members and 60 per cent of its popular support. [24] The emergence of various communist splinter groups, most of which abandoned the armed struggle, fractured the Philippine left. [25]

The Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada Presidencies (1992-2001)

The armed conflict continued in the 1990s, but with varying intensity. The Ramos presidency pressed ahead with Aquino’s military campaign, taking advantage of the CPP’s disarray. Many cadres and activists, past and present, regard this period as the rebels’ low point. [26] Beyond the party’s erosion, many in the growing Philippine middle class had lost faith in the need for violent revolution to bring about social change. [27]

The Ramos administration also achieved the most progress in terms of peace talks, leading to four agreements but falling short of a comprehensive settlement. [28] Late in the decade, however, the rebels managed to reorganise some of their forces, at a time when the military once again had its hands full with the Moro rebellion. [29] Moreover, under the leadership of the Tiamzons and other figures, veteran cadres rebuilt networks to capitalise on weak state service delivery in rural areas, as well as continuous military abuses against civilians. The rebels grew in number once more, with up to 9,500 fighters in 1999. [30] The next administration under Joseph Estrada (1998-2001) did not engage in serious talks and clashes continued.

The Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Years (2001-2010)

The conflict once again intensified during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. [31] At first, her administration was predisposed to negotiations. [32] But it quickly grew alarmed at the strong electoral performance of Bayan Muna, a political party close to the militant left, and rebellion in the countryside resurged. During this time, the military considered the communist rebels the biggest threat in the country, over and above the Moro armed groups. [33] In 2004, the NDF withdrew from the negotiating table after Macapagal-Arroyo designated the NPA as a terrorist group. The subsequent military campaign, called Oplan Bantay Laya, was once again heavy-handed. [34] In Davao’s district of Paquibato, for example, the armed forces allegedly committed several abuses. [35] A military campaign in Central Luzon targeted not only rebels but also activists and the movement’s political backbone. This crackdown once again drove hundreds of people to the armed movement, even if military operations weakened some party committees and rebel fronts.

The Benigno Aquino Years (2010-2016)

Peace talks under Arroyo’s successor Benigno Aquino again proved unsuccessful. The administration launched a new military campaign, the Oplan Bayanihan, and designed the PAMANA program, a countrywide effort to roll out development projects in communist-influenced villages. [36] But the rebellion continued. The early Aquino years, in fact, saw a notable increase in NPA activity in Caraga and Davao regions in Mindanao. [37] In these resource-rich areas, the movement’s membership grew by up to 20 per cent. Clashes occurred almost everywhere in the country. [38] While some in Aquino’s negotiating team demonstrated flexibility, they were not able to agree on substantive issues with the communist movement. The rebels were also cautious about making concessions. In the end, despite Aquino’s landmark peace agreement with the Moro rebels in 2012 and 2014, neither Manila nor the communists had the political will to achieve a breakthrough.

[1] Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon means “people’s army against Japan”. See Benedict Kerkvliet, The Huk Rebellion: A Study of Peasant Revolt in the Philippines (Quezon City, 1979). Landlordism refers to an economic system in which a few individuals rent or lease land to tenants. In the Philippines, the landlords tended to be politically dominant as well.

[2] The party was established in 1930 by labour and trade union leaders.

[3] Magsaysay worked closely with Edward Lansdale, a U.S. intelligence officer, who later attempted to replicate the Philippine counter-insurgency model in Vietnam.

[4] One year later, the national democratic movement was galvanised by the “first-quarter storm”, a series of student protests and street confrontations in Manila following the election of Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. Top communist cadres took part, setting the stage for further mobilisation of students and youth. Crisis Group telephone interview, former top cadre, 27 March 2024.

[5] For a granular narrative of the CPP’s expansion in the Bicol region, see Soliman Santos, Jr., TIGAON 1969: Untold Stories of the CPP-NPA, KM and SDK (Manila, 2023).

[6] According to Jones’ seminal work on the communist movement, Sison was inspired by Mao Zedong and the Yenan base in China’s Shensi province during 1935-1936. Jones, Red Revolution , op. cit., pp. 40, 96 and 101.

[7] For a critical look on the communist movement during the martial law era, see Joseph Scalice, The Drama of Dictatorship: Martial Law and the Communist Parties of the Philippines (New York, 2023).

[8] Moro rebels – the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front – have engaged in tactical cooperation with communist insurgents since the 1970s.

[9] Rebel doctrine followed Sison’s 1974 text, “Specific Characteristics of Our People’s War”, which set out the principles of “centralised leadership and decentralised operations”. Prior writings established the nucleus of this approach.

[10] In Luzon, the rebel movement drew on grievances among Indigenous people in the Cordillera region who resisted government-imposed development projects. See Crisis Group Asia Report N°248, The Philippines: Dismantling Rebel Groups , 19 June 2013, pp. 9-10.

[11] In the 1980s, Davao City, for example, saw killings in shootouts and bombings on a scale some compared to the civil wars happening at the time in Central America.

[12] Battle deaths were highest in 1985. Crisis Group Report, The Communist Insurgency in the Philippines: Tactics and Talks , p. 4.

[13] Some look at this rebel move as a blunder that took cadres away from organising in the countryside. See Kathleen Weekley, The Communist Party of the Philippines, 1968-1993: A Story of its Theory and Practice (Quezon City, 2001), p. 230.

[14] In the 1970s, the group also started to build solidarity networks with international guerrilla, leftist and social movements. Some of these links endure today.

[15] The debates occurred also at the top echelons of the party. Some cadres wanted to move away from a Maoist line toward a more hybrid approach known as “insurrectionist strategy”. Advocates of this approach, and another known as the political-military framework or the Vietnamese model, favoured a mix of armed, political and legal struggle as well as urban work in addition to the Maoist people’s war. See, for example, Marty Villalobos, “For a Politico-Military Framework”, unpublished paper, 23 February 1987.

[16] The non-militant and more liberal opposition to the Marcos dictatorship was also gaining ground in the early 1980s. Crisis Group telephone interview, former member of the communist movement, 27 March 2024.

[17] This decision was made by the leadership in the party’s Executive Committee and in particular Rodolfo “Rudy” Salas, who led the party from 1977. The party later demoted Salas.

[18] See Robert Francis Garcia, To Suffer Thy Comrades: How the Revolution Devoured Its Own (Manila, 2001). Among the main purge operations were “Ahos”, in Mindanao; “Missing Link”, in Southern Luzon; “Cadena de Amor” also in Luzon; and “VD” in Leyte.

[19] In a moment of self-awareness, the late Ka Oris, a prominent Mindanao-based NPA leader, said: “In regions with forces numbering 1,000, only 200 were left. It was not because the enemy was good; it was because we were bad. Something was wrong with us”. Carolyn Arguillas, “Q and A with Jorge Madlos”, Mindanews, 8 January 2011.

[20] The 60-day ceasefire was declared during the term of President Corazon Aquino, but collapsed almost immediately. Most of the blame goes to the government, which relaunched military operations in violation of the ceasefire. But the rebels were also half-hearted in respecting the ceasefire. As a result, the war in the countryside continued with ferocity.

[21] Armando Liwanag (Sison’s pen name), “Reaffirm Our Basic Principles and Rectify Errors”. Sison’s campaign became known as the Second Great Rectification Movement.

[22] Those who endorsed Sison’s point of view were known as Reaffirmists, while the splinter members became the Rejectionists. Both labels are in use today in internal debates and among outside observers.

[23] Those who left included the Manila-Rizal committee, chunks of the Mindanao and Negros party and military structures, Central Luzon and parts of sectors in the united front (a coalition of revolutionary and legal forces).

[24] Dominique Caouette, “Persevering Revolutionaries: Armed Struggle in the 21st Century, Exploring the Revolution of the Communist Party of the Philippines”, Ph.D. thesis, Cornell University, 2004, p. 14.

[25] Some of these groups merged while others splintered further. For instance, the Cordilleras Peoples Liberation Army separated after 1986 and concluded a peace deal with the government. The Cordilleras are, apart from the Bangsamoro, the only autonomous region in the Philippines.

[26] Crisis Group interviews, Manila, June-July 2023.

[27] Crisis Group interviews, former cadres and activists, Cebu and Davao, March-April 2023.

[28] From 1992 to 1995, the sides signed four agreements during exploratory talks, including the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees and the Agreement on the Ground Rules of the Formal Meetings. Ramos also repealed the Anti-Subversion Law that outlawed membership in the CCP.

[29] In particular, the emergence of the Abu Sayyaf Group and renewed hostilities with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Ramos handed over part of the responsibility for peace and order to the police in 21 provinces, but they were ill equipped to take on the task. Thomas Marks, Maoist Insurgency Since Vietnam (Essex, 1996), p. 83.

[30] A striking example of the insurgency’s capacity to rise from the ashes was in Negros, where in 1992-1993 the NPA allegedly had only one platoon and one gun left. After the military withdrew and the police took over many of its responsibilities, Frank Fernandez, a priest-turned-rebel, convinced many fighters who had either surrendered or were lying low to recommit to the struggle. After an intense period of mass mobilisation, the guerrillas were soon able to tax companies and attack detachments. Crisis Group interview, local source, 19 June 2023.

[31] At the Arroyo administration’s request, Norway took over as official facilitator of the talks in 2001.

[32] The political and legal organisations of the communist party supported Arroyo during an uprising that led Estrada to resign. In the 2001 elections, Bayan Muna topped the party-list vote. Some members of the party were contemplating the possibility of democratic politics beyond an exclusive focus on Maoist struggle. Crisis Group interview, political observer, 15 March 2023.

[33] A high-ranking military officer said in 2003: “They are our utmost security concern at present … and we consider them a much bigger threat than the Abu Sayyaf, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or the Jemaah Islamiyah”. See Carlos Conde, “Once nearly extinct, communist rebels find new converts: In Philippines, a threat revives”, The New York Times , 29 December 2003.

[34] The NPA started weakening in Luzon during Arroyo’s presidency. In 2005 and 2006, the military started to target activists and farmers involved in peasant groups. Extrajudicial killings skyrocketed.

[35] Rodrigo Duterte, mayor of Davao City at that time, said after one incident: “You are acting like an occupation army here. … If this is what’s happening, I cannot blame the people for joining the NPA”. “Duterte declares hands-off policy in army’s anti-NPA campaign in Paquibato”, Mindanews, 13 March 2009. During his tenure as mayor, Duterte pursued a balancing act between the military and the communist rebels. He even attended the wake of Leoncio Pitao, alias Commander Parago, from Davao City. Duterte’s main goal seems to have been to avoid spillover into the city, letting occasional skirmishes occur in districts near the adjacent provinces.

[36] Insurgents declared PAMANA a counterrevolutionary initiative and, in many instances, tried to resist the program. For details, see also Balázs Áron Kovács, Peace Infrastructures and State-Building at the Margins (New York, 2018), pp. 189-219.

[37] Document on file with Crisis Group. See also Amanda Fernandez, “NPA guerrillas mainly concentrated in north-eastern, southern Mindanao – AFP”, GMA News Online, 29 March 2014.

[38] Crisis Group telephone interview, former Mindanao-based cadre, 9 March 2023.

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Philippines: Digital economy to hit $35 billion by 2025

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National fibre backbone seen giving economy extra oomph, boosting e-commerce

Philippine mobile phone digital payments Manila smartphone

Manila: Despite slow internet, the Philippines's digital economy is expected to hit $35 billion in 2025 – up 45 per cent from $24 billion in 2023, continuing its remarkable climb, according to an industry estimate.

E-commerce has ignited the country’s economy, making it one of the fastest-growing digital economies in Southeast Asia.

As of January 2024, the Philippines boasted 86.98 million internet users, as reported by DataReportal's Global Digital Insights report. The country has sixth-highest number of Facebook users in the world (86.75 million), out of a population of about 119 million.

Philippines economic growth beats forecasts in 2023
Philippines: 5,000% surge in digital payments in the time of COVID-19

Huge jump in e-payments

The increasingly ubiquitous use of QR codes for payments has caught fire, thus making it part of the country’s “new normal”, and bypassing the credit card era.

In 2021, as a result of the pandemic, and despite being a laggard in web speed, e-payments have jumped by “more than 5,000 per cent”, according to the Philippine central bank (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, BSP).

In 2022, the internet economy registered a gross value added of about 2.08 trillion pesos, ($36.11 billion) representing 9.4 percent of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP).

E-commerce emerged as a growth leader in economic activity, with an estimated gross merchandise value (GMV) of $24 billion in 2023, a 60 per cent-jump from $15 billion in 2022, based on Statista and eConomy SEA report.

“Slow” internet no more?

The country ranked 86th out of 146 countries in broadband speed, and 49th out of 178 countries for mobile speed, as per a January 2024 Ookla report.

This could change soon.

The first phase of the National Fibre Backbone (NFB) launched on Friday (April 19, 2024) – covers 1,245 km and has an initial optical spectrum capacity of 600 Gbps.

It’s the first of six fibre-optic connectivity being pushed by Manila to hook up the entire archipelago with fibre, allowing for speed-of-light connectivity.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the Friday launch event of NFB Phase 1 in Manila, during which he vowed to push for investments in a "fast and reliable internet across the country" -- which has a total shoreline of 36,289 km.

The multi-billion domestic submarine cable project will also cover Visayas and Mindanao, using 1,800 km of submarine cables – with more than 20 planned "landing stations" across the country.

Once all the six phases are completed, expected in two years (2026), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the agency tasked to oversese the project, broadband penetration rate will improve from the current 33 per cent to 65 per cent, reaching 70 million Filipinos out of the current 119 million inhabitants.

It is also expected to lower internet access price to as low as $5 per Mbps. In May 2022, Manila licensed Starlink, allowing satellite broadband internet for islanders. But with no payment plan currently, most would-be end-users find the $500 up-front cost of a basic kit (dish and router) prohibitive.

What 'high-speed backbone' means

The backbone’s first phase, now serving Luzon (an island three times the land area of the Netherlands) in the Philippines, is a significant step.

The NFB forms part of the National Broadband Program (NBP), pushed by the DICT, playing a vital role in harnessing the digital economy.

Manila is investing directly in communication infrastructure in collaboration with the private sector to bridge the digital divide. The NFB will primarily serve various government offices, data centres, and communities, particularly in Northern and Central Luzon, with substantial savings.

The ultimate test of the NFB is how many of the country's 7,640 islands would indeed gain access to fast internet. The president asked for "perseverance", innovation, and collaboration to achieve this goal and foster inclusivity.

It's an on-going challenge. But given the frenetic pace of digital infrastructure build-up, access to high-speed internet for millions outside the major metropolises would indeed be a godsend.

Economic outlook

In terms of economic outlook, projections indicate growth between 6.0 per cent and 7.0 per cent for 2024, after hitting a higher-than-expected rate in 2023.

Looking ahead to 2025, the target growth range has been narrowed to 6.5 per cent -7.5 per cent from the initial projection of 6.5 to 8 per cent, as highlighted by National Economic Deveopment Authority chief Arsenio Balisacan in a media briefing.

Growth projections for the years 2026 to 2028 remain unchanged at 6.5 per cent to 8.0 per cent.

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Economy Growth Report: Philippines Ready to Boost Tourism in 2022
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The Philippine Tourism Industry
Current Issues in Tourism: Vol 24, No 1
Impact of COVID-19 on the Philippine Tourism industry
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Calming the Long War in the Philippine Countryside
For more than 50 years, the Philippine government has been in conflict with the New People's Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). [1] Launched in 1969, the communist rebellion is among Asia's oldest insurgencies, having outlasted seven Filipino presidents. [2] To date, fighting between the NPA and the state has claimed at least 40,000 lives - rebels ...
Philippines: Digital economy to hit $35 billion by 2025
Manila: Despite slow internet, the Philippines's digital economy is expected to hit $35 billion in 2025 - up 45 per cent from $24 billion in 2023, continuing its remarkable climb, according to ...