CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — Quezon province has been conferred the Department of Tourism (DOT) Calabarzon region’s “Tourist Destination of the Year” award during Monday’s Calabarzon Tourism Summit 2017 at the Bellevue Manila in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
The DOT Calabarzon summit themed “Working Towards Sustainable Tourism and Building Partnerships Through Appreciation and Recognition” has gathered the tourism industry sector and government tourism offices from the region comprising Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.
During the conferment rite, the DOT Calabarzon award-giving body cited Quezon province for achieving the 6.3 million same-day tourist arrivals during the “Niyogyugan” Festival it staged last August 2016.
The province’s annual “Niyogyugan” Festival showcases colorful and vibrant activities that make the province an interesting place to visit for tourists, added with numerous products from various cities and municipalities that also serve as representation for their culture.
In receiving the award, Quezon Governor David Suarez remarked “tourism is not just about the number of tourists that come to your province. It is about protecting your environment. It is about embracing your past, and uplifting your culture and the lifestyle you carry.”
Suarez thanked the DOT for the award that is already “a part of the province’s history” and that the newly identified interesting destination places in the province will help improve the economy and the quality of life of his constituents.
“Through tourism promotion, little concerns in the communities will get solutions in time as quality of life improves,” he added.
He also commended other awardees during the summit for their dedication and commitment to the oath as a public servant and their intensified tourism efforts and initiatives are indications of a progressive community.
“It takes a special kind of leadership and quality in governance to put premium to tourism. Sa dinami-rami ng mga problemang hinaharap natin, pag nabigyan pa rin natin ng kahalagahan ang turismo, ang ibig sabihin noon, napakagaling niyo pong lingkodbayan (Amid the problems we face, we were still able to give importance to tourism, and this means you are outstanding public servants),” Suarez stressed.
He also challenged that “it is because you understand that in promoting tourism, we slowly address the little issues and problems that our municipalities and our provinces are facing. (Zen Trinidad/PNA)
