Saturday, January 13, 2007 Official defends military academy promotion as tourist spot By Jane Cadalig
THE promotion of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) as one of the top tourist destinations in Baguio City and in the country will not disrupt its operations as a military institution, a PMA official said.
PMA academy staff chief Hernando Iriberri said while the academy is actively promoting its potentials as a top tourist site, this would not intervene in its operations as a premiere military institution.
"Tourism is always incorporated in our operations but this does not disrupt our general operations as a military school," Iriberri said.
He said the PMA's move in promoting tourism is one of the strategies to draw more applicants and get the best individuals who could become the future leaders.
The PMA is said to be accommodating around 2,000 visitors per week or about 8,000 a month.
Tourism Regional Director Purificacion Molintas said the military institution is one of the major contributors not only to the city but also to the country's tourism industry.
The City Government has allotted funds for the rehabilitation of restrooms inside the academy to cater to tourists. The establishment of P1 million worth of comfort rooms is already in its initial planning stage.
Molintas earlier said providing "world-class" restrooms is a must in any tourism-oriented destination such as the Asia's premiere military institution.
