The Department of Tourism in coordination with the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation is now accepting applications for the Grassroots Entrepreneurs for Ecotourism program.

GREET is in line with the directive and advocacy of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to encourage entrepreneurship and enhance livelihood opportunities in the country's ecotourism sites, a press release from DOT said. The program will provide P50,000 to P100,000 worth of grants to aspiring entrepreneurs with business proposals that aim to improve tourism-related services and products in ecotourism sites in the country.

The grant intends to create favorable business environment in the countryside and develop pioneering industries that would spur economic growth on sustained management of ecotourism sites.

For individuals, applicant must be a Filipino citizen, 18 years old and above and has some training related to their business idea.

Applicant must be at least high school graduate and a resident of town or province where ecotourism site is located.

A business plans/proposal must be presented in person to the GREET Screening and Evaluation Committee.

For organizations, it must be a community organization, business associations and local tourism offices based and operating in town or province where an eco-tourism site is located.

The organization must be duly registered with appropriate government agency. Merits will be given to organizations that have demonstrated successful delivery of programs for community or have a well-developed network of key stakeholders and private sector partners.

The organization must also manifest functionality and must have at least a minimum amount of organization funds to sustain the current operational level of its existing activities and projects.

Interested parties may secure application forms at the Municipal/City Tourism Offices, Provincial Tourism Offices, Department of Tourism Regional Offices or at the GREET secretariat Office.*

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