Tourism has been a catalyst of the Philippines’ economic resurgence post-pandemic under the Marcos administration.
In 2023, the sector accounted for nearly 9 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employing 6.21 million Filipinos, and contributing P3.4 trillion from combined inbound and domestic tourism expenditure. That same year, the country’s Tourism Direct Growth Value Added (TDGVA) jumped to almost P2.1 trillion, up by 48 percent from 2022, to register the single highest growth of tourism since 2000.
Recognizing the tourism sector’s massive impact on the economy, Next Generation Advocate Foundation PH, Inc. (NextGen), a non-stock, non-government organization whose focus lies on advocating sustainable community development through tourism among others, has partnered with the Intramuros Administration and the Office of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to revitalize the Walled City of Manila into a vibrant cultural hub.
The group aims to reinvigorate Intramuros, one of the Philippines’ most iconic historical landmarks, into a thriving destination where visitors can discover and experience the country’s rich history and cultural legacy.
A staunch advocate of nation-building, NextGen commits itself to helping build and nurture sustainable communities through tourism where opportunities for progress and development abound.
The City of Manila saw a huge surge of tourist arrivals in 2023, welcoming about 14.2 million tourists, according to the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM). Intramuros alone drew around 1.4 million visitors last year.
Aside from tourism, NextGen also advocates support for marginalized Filipino youth as it partners with dynamic international organization Life Project for Youth (LP4Y), which spearheads initiatives to educate young adults aged 17-24 grappling with extreme poverty and societal exclusion.
NextGen has advocated support for these two organizations–Intramuros Administration and LP4Y–this year as part of its continuing commitment to take an active role in helping transform communities positively. NextGen brought together a dedicated group of advocates–business leaders, community members, and philanthropists–through its Play it Forward fundraising golf tournament presented by San Miguel Corporation and Acrocity.
Held recently at the Sta. Elena Golf Club in Cabuyao, Laguna, the gathering which was sponsored by Yanson Group of Bus Companies, Nationstar Development Corp and Bingo Plus drew another record pool of 180 golfers to raise over P30 million in donations, which will be utilized to fund NextGen’s core advocacies on disaster relief, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development.
“Our mission at NextGen is to help build an inclusive future where every young Filipino is empowered to reach their full potential and contribute to a sustainable and progressive nation. says NextGen President Nadia Mirani Uttamchandani.
Last year, NextGen and its partners were able to raise P16 million, which benefited more than 37,000 Filipinos. These donations were channeled towards disaster relief response that benefitted nearly 8,000 families, the Pasig River rehabilitation project, feeding programs for nearly 5,000 children, and health, wellness, and charitable drives for about 2,500 women and children.
“Since we started, we’ve shown that together, we can achieve so much more. We’re dedicated to strengthening our disaster relief efforts by building strong partnerships and staying ready to act when it matters most. We’re also focused on empowering the next generation with skills and opportunities to lead, while working towards food security and better health for all.” shares NextGen Vice President Paolo Martel
Since 2022, NextGen has been collaborating with like-minded institutions to empower communities to build a more progressive Philippines #parasanextgen.
