The Department of Tourism (DOT) awarded PHP19.25 million in grants to tourism start-up projects from schools across the country under its flagship Tourism Start Up Challenge (TSC) on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Winners and Grants
The TSC, a joint initiative of the DOT and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), allows college students to propose programs aligned with the National Tourism Development Plan. During a ceremony in Quezon City, three national winners were announced, each receiving a PHP5 million grant:
- Naga College Foundation Inc. for its project Go Dare
- Siquijor State College for SiquiScan, a smart destination management system for sustainable tourism
- Ateneo de Davao University for Kuyog, a mobile app to book local tour guides
Additionally, the DOT awarded PHP250,000 each to shortlisted proposals from various regions:
- Region 1: PHINMA - University of Pangasinan
- Region 2: Saint Mary’s University
- Region 3: Aurora State College of Technology
- Region IV-A: Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite
- Region IV-B: Occidental Mindoro State College
- Region V: Naga College Foundation, Inc.
- Region VI: Central Philippine University
- Region VII: Cebu Normal University
- Region VIII: Eastern Samar State University-Guiuan Campus
- Region IX: Ateneo de Zamboanga University
- Region X: Bukidnon State University
- Region XI: Ateneo de Davao University
- Region XII: Santa Cruz Mission School Inc.
- CARAGA: Agusan Del Sur State University
- CAR: University of the Cordilleras
- NCR: UP Asian Institute of Tourism
- NIR: Siquijor State College
Empowering Youth
DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso emphasized the importance of youth participation, 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." She added that their involvement strengthens tourism development today and ensures the sector's continued growth and resilience.
Last year, the DOT called for proposals from school-formed groups of four 3rd to 4th year college students and an adviser, which were submitted to CHED regional offices.
