By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Monday, Oct. 17, pushed for the revitalization of the local tourism industry, and stressed it “is a driver of our economy” as the Philippines strives to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the Philippine Tourism Industry Convergence Reception in Pasay City, the President said he wanted to reintroduce the Philippines to the world through publicity and infrastructure development.
“Once it was possible, I thought immediately that this is a driver of our economy, and we must immediately do all what we can to make sure that these assets that the Philippines has must be used to bring jobs to people, good jobs to people, to bring visitors to our country,” Marcos said.
“As we have said during the trips that we have taken these past few weeks, to reintroduce the Philippines to the world, and that I think, we will be trying to do,” he added.
The President emphasized this can be achieved through developing assets, creating jobs, and promoting the industry, adding that his administration will undertake the necessary initiatives in promoting tourism through improving accessibility and infrastructure.
“We must improve the accessibility of all of these places, to have direct access to smaller airports. We must provide an infrastructure to develop the area,” he continued.
The chief executive is confident that his administration’s goal for the tourism sector will be successful through the leadership of tourism chief Christina Frasco and other government agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Marcos also highlighted that Filipinos are the country’s greatest asset that he can be proud of as they are in the frontline in promoting the country’s destinations to foreign visitors, potential stakeholders, and other countries.
“The greatest asset that we have in the Philippines are the one hundred and seven million Filipinos who are a young, well-trained workforce, who are as kind of people, as hospitable of people, as gracious of people, as you will find anywhere in the world.
“I am confident because I have said this many many times that there is no warmer, no poignant sight than the smile of a Filipino, and that is something we can introduce to the world,” Marcos said.
He also vowed that his administration will be committed to supporting the tourism sector to keep up with the changing times.
“Allow me to repeat, under this administration, the government will remain committed to ensuring that the inputs you have acquired from your listening tours will be optimized for the benefit of the sector.
“We want one of the key players in our nation’s progress to be buzzing once again with life stronger than ever so that they will be able to keep up with these fast moving times,” he said.
Vice President Sara Duterte, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Congressmen Sandro Marcos and Duke Frasco, other government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps were also present in the event.
