Despite positivity in the pronouncement of the Philippine tourism chief, the performance figures remain wanting, more so compared to our neighbors. We are really lagging behind.

Only about 2.9-million international visitors were recorded by mid-2025 with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco saying, “The agency is calibrating its year-end target in view of global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions affecting travel trends.” That’s quite an honest admission by the good DoT Secretary.

In the first four months of the year, foreign tourist arrivals significantly declined by 3.2 percent. Well, negative statements by foreign travel organizations, for one — like this part of the land isn’t safe — are external contributors to the abysmal tourism performance of the country. Add to that the peace and order situation where crimes are attributed to or committed by policemen themselves. How do you beat that?

But internally, we lack the necessary tourism infrastructure which would encourage outsiders to come and enjoy the sights coupled with our inherent hospitality. This chronic situation has been with us for as long as we can remember. Nothing seems to be on track.

Perhaps, we can apply the common statement that “a house is not built overnight.” I tend to agree, especially on the nagging complaint of lack of funds. That’s real. Partly because enormous amounts for tourism infrastructure projects end up in the pockets of some corrupt TIEZA officials. Also, if billions weren’t pocketed by legislators in illegal pork barrel, tourism would perhaps make a breakthrough. How and when it will happen, we don’t know.

By the way, we received complaints about one tourism facility owned by the Laufer family in Mansalay, Occidental Mindoro. I don’t know how the shrewd business couple does it — not paying their security services now amounting to millions.

What blatant gross hypocrisy is this? They showcased a church built supposedly with their personal funds. To show they’re good people? Grrr!

Despite this complaint of a long overdue account for security services being made public, we still believe in the goodness of people and the couple Laufer will, hopefully, stop exploiting others.