MANILA - House minority leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez on Friday raised concern over the proposed budget cut for the tourism department next year.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Congress should "work for a more responsive budget" in the coming years as the agency might not be able to meet its goal of bringing in more foreign tourists to the country, Suarez said.

"There should be enhanced, better relations between Congress and the DOT for the latter to have better allocations in the future given the projected hike of tourists coming to visit the Philippines every year," the lawmaker said in a statement.

The proposed budget for the DOT in 2017 is P2.457 billion, nearly 40 percent lower from this year's budget.

"The increasing budget seems to be the trend, but not for the DOT next year," said Suarez.

Meanwhile, Davao del Sur Rep. Mercedes Cagas said the tourism department should also focus its resources in promoting agri-tourism.

"Agri-tourism will be a catalyst in improving the quality of life in the rural areas. Studies have shown that agriculture can be developed into agri-tourism attractions which will enhance the sustenance of these areas," said Cagas.