Travel and Tourism

South Korea’s national railway operator Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) recently signed with SMC MRT-7 Corp. an agreement to provide technical support for the operations and maintenance (O&M) of Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT‑7) as the project targets 2026 for full operations. “This is a critical step as we move closer to delivering MRT-7 to the public,” said SMC Chairman …

Passengers traveling this summer will pay a bit more for their air tickets after an increase in the passenger service charge (PSC) or terminal fee for airports managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Under Memorandum Circular No. 019-2025 signed on April 14, CAAP announced that the PSC for international flights will hike from ₱784 to ₱900 …

Following the series of aircraft issues experienced by local airlines, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) wants the next Congress to prioritize forming an independent body tasked to investigate mobility accidents. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said he would urge the 20th Congress to initiate the creation of an agency with functions similar to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has formed a special task force to review road safety policies, following alarming data on reckless driving, road crashes, and drug use among drivers. Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon said the move comes as 671 drivers were suspended by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), including 97 who tested positive for illegal drug use in coordination with …

Holy Week marks a crucial time for Filipinos to reconnect with their spirituality. One practice is the Bisita Iglesia, wherein folks visit seven different places of worship to pray. Others take a pilgrimage to far-off places throughout the country, such as the Montemaria Shrine in Batangas. Montemaria Shrine in Batangas is home to the Mother of All Asia – Tower …

Foreigners numbering more than 1.65 million visited the Philippines in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). Although the figure was fewer by 0.60 percent for the same period in 2024, DOT data showed a surge in arrivals from Japan, Canada and Australia, while significant decline was reported in tourist arrivals from South Korea, China …

After the Department of Transportation extended the operating hours of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT 3) indefinitely, unconsolidated jeepney drivers were also allowed to operate again. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said he had already issued a directive to his department to help the unconsolidated drivers resume their routes and operate legally. Dizon said government must consider the plight …

Despite the integration of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental to form the Negros Island Region, Hiligaynon remains the main dialect with Kinaray-a, Capiznon and Aklanon also spoken in other provinces of Panay. Another indication of Negros’ rich culture is Sagay City in Negros Occidental which exemplifies authentic ecotourism. Carbin Reef which is part of the Sagay Marine Reserve, is one …

Gen. Santos City – long regarded as the country’s Tuna Capital – is fast earning a new reputation: farm tourism hub of Mindanao. The recent 8th Philippine International Farm Tourism Conference, organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) with support from the City Government of Gen. Santos, made this possible. “At the heart of farm tourism lies a simple …

Batan Island – gateway to Batanes – is one of three main islands of the province (the other two – Sabtang and Itbayat). It is also site of four of the province’s six municipalities, including Basco, the provincial capital.   Visitors can circumnavigate the island in less than a day but touring the island should be done at leisure, the north …