With 10 innovative entries from students of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), the Department of Tourism (DOT) – Region III, in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – Region III, conducted the Provincial Vetting of Proposals for the Tourism Start-Up Challenge on January 15–16, 2026, at the CDC Building 2125, Clark Freeport Zone.

The vetting panel, composed of academe and industry experts from each of the provinces with submitted entries, evaluated the projects based on their relevance, feasibility, sustainability, and potential contribution to local tourism development. Qualified proposals will advance to the regional level of the competition.

Supported under the Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF), the Tourism Start-Up Challenge is an annual convergence program of DOT and CHED that provides a platform for college students to develop innovations that contribute to the advancement of the Philippine tourism industry.

DOT III extends its gratitude to the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and to the provincial tourism offices for their valuable support to this initiative.