Manila, July 29 -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) will focus on building a "globally competitive" tourism industry that generates more jobs for Filipinos, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Monday.

She made the reaffirmation in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to boost efforts to bring jobs to the four percent of Filipinos who remain unemployed.

"As the President mentioned, the task ahead is to find opportunities for the remaining four percent of our labor force-and tourism stands ready to help meet that challenge," she said in a statement.

"We remain committed to building a tourism industry that is not only globally competitive, but also grounded on our shared mission to uplift the lives of every Filipin...