Quezon city: The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday awarded PHP19.25 million worth of grants to tourism start-up projects by various schools nationwide under its flagship Tourism Start-Up Challenge (TSC). The initiative, a collaboration between the DOT and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), invites college students to propose programs and projects that align with the government's National Tourism Development Plan.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a ceremony held in Quezon City, the DOT announced the national winners of the TSC. The winning projects include Go Dare by Naga College Foundation Inc., SiquiScan by Siquijor State College, and Kuyog by Ateneo de Davao University. These projects, which focus on innovative tourism solutions, sustainable practices, and enhancing tourist experiences, will each receive PHP5 million in funding.

DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso emphasized the importance of empowering youth in tourism, stating, "As we empower the youth across the land, we are fostering the sustained growth and development of a future-ready industry that is innovative, sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive. Their participation not only strengthens tourism development today but also ensures the continued growth and resilience of the sector in the years ahead."

In addition to the three national winners, the DOT awarded PHP250,000 grants to shortlisted proposals from various regions across the country. These include projects from PHINMA - University of Pangasinan, Saint Mary's University, Aurora State College of Technology, and others, representing a wide geographical distribution and diverse approaches to enhancing local tourism.

Last year, the DOT issued an open call for the TSC, encouraging student groups, composed of third to fourth-year college students and an adviser, to submit their proposals to the CHED regional offices. The initiative aims to engage the academic community in tourism development and inspire innovative solutions from young minds.