THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental spearheaded the launching of the 29th National Statistics Month on Monday held at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center in Bacolod City.

It carries the theme, “Exploring Philippine Wonders in Numbers: Statistics Towards Sustainable Tourism Development.”

Negros Occidental Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Lina Sanogal declared the official opening of the National Statistics Month.

Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that with the right statistics, the leaders of the local government units (LGU) will be guided accordingly especially on matters related to tourism.

He also urged every Negrense to work together for the betterment of the province’ tourism industry.

Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Cristine Mansinares talked on sustainable development goals and institutionalization of the tourism statistics reporting of the LGUs

She said among the tourism goals of the province is the 10 percent annual increase in visitor arrivals covering the period 2018 to 2022; creation of more jobs and livelihood opportunities; and the promotion of tourism investments. (PR)