QUEZON CITY, Philippines — February 26, 2026. Quezon City 1st District Representative Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde is urging Congress to swiftly pass his proposed measure that seeks to institutionalize film and television tourism as a national economic strategy, highlighting its potential to boost the Philippine economy.

House Bill 384, also known as the Act Establishing a Framework for Film and Television Tourism in the Philippines, aims to create an inter-agency committee that will streamline processes and provide strategic support for both local and international productions.

Atayde explained that the bill is designed to attract more filming projects to the country by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and offering coordinated assistance.

“Film and television productions do more than entertain; they influence travel decisions, shape international perceptions, and transform filming locations into long-term tourism destinations,” Atayde said.

He emphasized that the Philippines must act decisively or risk losing billions in tourism revenues, jobs, and global exposure to competing countries.

Atayde, who is also an actor, underscored the cultural pride that comes with seeing the Philippines on the global screen. “There is a unique kind of pride that every Filipino feels when our country appears on the global screen,” he noted, adding that international audiences often become curious about the country’s culture and traditions after seeing it featured in films or series.

The bill is currently pending in the House of Representatives, and Atayde hopes it will gain bipartisan support given its potential to generate jobs, attract investments, and strengthen the Philippines’ image as a premier filming destination in Asia.

If passed, the measure would institutionalize film and television tourism as a long-term economic driver, positioning the Philippines to compete with countries like South Korea, Thailand, and New Zealand, which have successfully leveraged their entertainment industries to boost tourism.