DOT and CHED Open Tourism Start-Up Challenge 2025 with ₱5 Million Grants for Filipino Student Proposals
The Department of Tourism (DOT), in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), has officially opened the Tourism Start-Up Challenge 2025, a nationwide competition designed to empower third-year to fourth-year college students. The initiative provides youth with a platform to collaborate, innovate, and propose transformative ideas that will strengthen the tourism sector.
Iligan Students Encouraged to Join the National Tourism Challenge
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country, including those in Iligan, are invited to participate by forming groups of six students and one adviser. Proposals must align with the National Tourism Development Plan and include at least one of the six priority pillars:
- Facilities and Demo Labs in pre-existing school or university facilities
- Immersion and Career Development
- Technology Innovation and Digitalization
- Start-Up and Incubation Centers
- Research and Development
- Tourism Education and Education Tourism
Judging and Prizes
Proposals will undergo a rigorous selection process from provincial to national levels. Each provincial winner will advance to regional judging, where finalists will receive ₱250,000. From there, one winner each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will be awarded the grand prize of ₱5,000,000 to fund their project.
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance to Theme and Objectives – alignment with competition goals
- Innovation and Creativity – originality and uniqueness of the concept
- Impact Potential – measurable social, economic, or environmental benefits
- Feasibility and Viability – realistic implementation and sustainability
- Quality of Proposal – professionalism, structure, and responsiveness to local needs
Key Dates to Remember
- Until October 31, 2025 – Application Period
- October 31, 2025 – Deadline for Submission of Proposals
- November 19-21, 2025 – Provincial Vetting of Proposals
- January 14-16, 2026 – Regional Vetting of Proposals
- February 11-13, 2026 – National Judging of Proposals
- March 18, 2026 – Awarding Ceremony
Call to Action
Be Part of Iligan’s Tourism Future
Iligan HEIs are encouraged to take this opportunity to showcase their students’ creativity and leadership by joining the Tourism Start-Up Challenge 2025. With a chance to win ₱5 million and contribute to the advancement of Philippine tourism, now is the time to step forward. Submit proposals through CHED Regional Offices before the October 31 deadline.
