By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In a meeting with the delegation from the Pacific Century Fellows (PCF) from Hawaii on Wednesday (Nov. 13), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed interest in bolstering relations between the Philippines and the American state, particularly in tourism.
“It is always a pleasure for me to welcome our friends from Hawaii, especially when the purpose of your visit is to continue find ways to interact even more closely with the Philippines considering, of course, that the Filipino population in Hawaii is a significant one,” the President said during the meeting in Malacañan Palace.
The PCF is a group of established and emerging leaders in Hawaii. It was founded by former Honolulu mayor and current president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, Mufi Hannemann.
Hannemann wanted to discuss more ways to boost the tourism industry of the Philippines and Hawaii.
“And I just wanted to say that there are many opportunities for us to work together. And it’s not just because I wear a tourism hat but I really would like to see how we can work with (Tourism) Secretary (Christina) Garcia-Frasco to see how we can increase tourism both [from the Philippines] to Hawaii and Hawaii to the Philippines,” Hannemann told the President.
“I think there are major opportunities that exist to do that. We know United Airlines has increased the air service here but I think [there’s] an opportunity for Alaska Airlines to rejuvenate what Hawaiian Airlines used to do. So, we see many beneficial opportunities there. So, we’re just here today to again express our gratitude and appreciation to you,” he added.
Hannemann is an active supporter of the Filipino community in Hawaii. He pushed for the advancement and promotion of Filipinos in the tourism industry workforce. He has appointed many Filipinos to his Cabinet and to various boards and commissions.
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