Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo called for the intensified support of tourism stakeholders when she met representatives from the local government unit and private sector of Davao and Zamboanga Peninsula regions.
Tulfo has directed all DOT regional Offices to make utilize the PHP5 million funds for tourism–related projects to complement improved connectivity with visitor markets abroad and upgrade travel and accommodations services.
“I am also in close coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways to prioritize the construction and rehabilitation of roads leading to the tourist destinations in Mindanao, perhaps the most important of which would be the One point nine Billion-peso Island Garden City of SAMAL Circumferential road that the DPWH committed to complete before our beloved “Mayor “ steps down,” said Teo, admitting that her native Davao City will always be her favorite destination.
Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo is given a briefing on the region’s future tourism plans during the Zamboanga Tourism Stakeholders Meeting.
For the Zamboanga Peninsula, DOT led by Regional Director Butch Blanco will further assess the potential and problem a prime tourist destinations.
Zamboanga International Airpor t is being eyed as the new home of Duty Free Philippines providing local and international tourists a service-oriented shopping hub. Region IX is also being prepared to stage more international and national events.
The Tourism Department also paid tribute to the brave and fallen servicemen who fought for the peace and security of Marawi City in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of National Defense’s Killed-in-Action or Wounded-in-Action (KIA-WIA) program.
“We in DOT are sympathizing in the loss of your parent, sibling, spouse, and relative. No words can justify how we your partners in government feel as we lose patriotic brave men and women who gave their all for our country, the Philippines,” said the tourism chief, whose father Col. Ramon Tulfo Sr. was also a Constabulary officer.
Members of the audience shared tear-jerking testimonials of their fallen love ones. An emotional photo montage of the Marawi heroes was also presented followed by a communal singing and a comic skit.
“On our part in the Department of Tourism, we will continue to promote Mindanao as a world-class destination in order to create jobs, especially in the countryside. In fact, we will be meeting with tourism stakeholders soon so that we can synergize all our efforts to show to the world the beauty behind our often misunderstood island,” the Secretary added. | DOT-PR