Fil-Am nurse wins P1.8 million house, lot in DOT raffle

MANILA, Philippines — For promoting the Philippines through the Department of Tourism’s “Bisita, be my guest” program, the DOT has awarded a house and lot to a Filipino-American nurse from Virginia.

Helen Grace Arceo received the P1.8-million property during an awarding ceremony at the DOT central office in Makati on Wednesday.

The DOT launched the program to encourage Filipinos abroad to promote the Philippines as a travel destination.

Arceo registered as a sponsor for her husband, Juan Arceo III. She emerged as the grand prize winner during the program’s second raffle draw in December 2023.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the program’s mission to promote tourism through love for country and family.

Aside from the house and lot from Amaia Land, Arceo also received a four-day, three-night stay at The Marison Hotel in Albay and roundtrip tickets to Legazpi from Cebu Pacific.

The program, implemented in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, offers participants raffle entries and perks.

Other winners received travel packages, shopping vouchers and international roundtrip tickets.

Frasco said the grand raffle draw, set for Dec. 16, would feature more prizes, including a condominium unit.