Sunday, August 27, 2006
'N. Oriental won't be left out anymore'
By Victor L. Camion
PROVINCIAL Board Member Mariant Escaño-Villegas, chairman of the Regional Tourism Council, assured that Negros Oriental would not be left out anymore in the promotional package for local tourist destinations.
Villegas gave the assurance after last July's setback when the province was not included in the promotional package to American dignitaries who visited only Bohol and Cebu.
After checking out the report about the American officials' visit with the regional office of the Department of Tourism, she learned that the visit was organized by the local tourism in Cebu City.
"That is why when we learned about it, we told them (Cebu tourism officials) to introduce us so that they (American officials) would know we exist," Escaño said.
But this time, Villegas said Negros Oriental would be included in the promotional package for tourist destinations.
"We toured the tourists spots of the four provinces to determine which of them are ready for the promotional packages," she said.
"We are ashamed that our top officials are seated in Regional Council and yet we are being left behind," Villegas said, referring to her position as head of Regional Tourism Council and that of Governor George Arnaiz as chairman of the same body.
Villegas said to further boost the province's tourism industry, the regional tourism council decided to hold the Central Visayas Regional Tourism Assembly in Dumaguete City on September 1, 2006.
She is optimistic that participants from Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental would enjoy their visit of the country's tourist destinations.
Villegas said the speakers at the assembly would include businessman Lance Gokongwei who will speak on the growth of the tourism industry in the region and regional tourism director Patria Roa who will discuss on topics about tips on what to do during sales missions and where to go in Central Visayas.
The assembly will launch the Central Visayas jingle and will feature performance by 2005 Buglasan showdown champion, Hambabalud Festival of Jimalalud and Wow! Philippines overall champion Yag-yag festival of Sibulan.
To unveil the different markers of Dumaguete City, City Councilor Manuel Sagarbarria will lead guests to visit the "tempurahan sa baybayon" along Rizal Boulevard, the "kampanaryo" at the Cathedral Church, and entertain them with "tartanilya" riding.
(August 27, 2006 issue)
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