A leading business group has hailed the government’s decision to reinstate the electronic visa (eVisa) program for visitors, calling it a long-overdue move critical for boosting tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.
In a statement released, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) expressed strong support for the policy, stating it sends a “powerful and positive signal” that the Philippines is ready to welcome the world.
FFCCCII President Victor Lim emphasized that the resumption of the eVisa is more than just a procedural update; it is a key tool for regional competitiveness.
“While the compelling economic rationale is undeniable, viewing this policy through a purely transactional lens is underestimating its profound potential,” Lim stated. He pointed out that regional neighbors like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam have long leveraged streamlined visa processes as a cornerstone of their economic strategy.
“To not compete actively for the tourist market is to forgo immense economic and diplomatic opportunity,” he added.
The Federation believes the easy and convenient application process will make the Philippines a more attractive destination, allowing more visitors to experience the country’s “world-renowned hospitality, stunning landscapes and islands, and dynamic culture.”
“The eVisa allows the story of the Philippines to be told through direct experience,” the statement read, framing the policy as a way to showcase the nation’s true beauty to a global audience.
The FFCCCII concluded by pledging its “full support to this endeavor,” standing ready to help ensure the program’s success. The group ended with a rallying cry: “Let us open our doors and welcome a new chapter of prosperity and partnership.”
The reinstatement of the eVisa system is widely seen as a strategic effort to revitalize the country’s tourism industry and strengthen its economic ties through increased visitor arrivals.#
