DOT maintains focus on ensuring safety, security of tourists, USEC says
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has been consistent in maintaining its focus on ensuring the safety and security of tourists, according to Undersecretary Salvador D. Sarabia, Jr.
Sarabia also said the DOT is also consistent in the preservation, protection and sustainability of tourist destinations as well as the state of interest of investors in the country.
The DOT USEC revealed this information to participants of the Conference Workshop on the Environmental Security on Tourism (TEST) held recently at the Hernani's Mix and Match, attended by stakeholders of Aklan's tourism industry, Aklan mayors, representatives from the national, provincial and local government units, non-government organizations and the local media.
Sarabia said that the activity, which had been held already in other provinces in Panay is being conducted to discuss and exchange ideas and information to fulfill the different programs and objectives of the project.
"Presently, the completion of infrastructure projects related to tourism has been set for the year 2010. New foreign investors have started to come to the country and more are still expected to invest in the coming years. Going forward, TEST is focused on the action plans and roadmaps that may be drafted for greater collaboration and understanding among the stakeholders, many of which would present opportunities and growth," Sarabia told the participants.
Sarabia said the conference-workshop is a little time-consuming, but it is best to collaborate in planning for mitigation measures to prevent disasters like Frank even as he admitted that typhoons cannot be stopped. He also expressed his hope for Kalibo and the rest of the country to survive disasters like typhoons, predicted to come still but in less numbers though far stronger.
From DOT's side, Sarabia assured the participants that that the recommendations and issues brought to light will be addressed to the best of their capabilities.
Sarabia expressed his confidence too that the conference workshop, with its many presentations, may yet be another important step for collaboration that will ensure that the province of Aklan will rise again and will benefit from the DOT's effort and commitment.
Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, in his welcome remarks read by SP member Gerick Templonuevo earlier, thanked the DOT for initiating the activity which is a big help in the province' tourism program.
Governor Marquez took the opportunity to acknowledge the help of Philippine Army reservists who helped the province clear its government offices of tons of mud that came with the deepest flood ever experienced when Typhoon Frank struck Aklan last June 21, 2008.
"The poor continue to suffer, many have not yet rebuilt their homes and we are all back to square one so an activity like this from the DOT will be a big help," Governor Marquez said in his message.
TEST conducted in Aklan was a joint undertaking by the Office of Security and Political Affairs of the DOT, in collaboration with the National Defense College of the Philippines - Crisis Management Institute and Haribon Foundation, Inc., with the support of other government agencies like the DENR, DTI and the DILG, various LGUs and the private stakeholder groups.
Prior to the workshop proper, talks/lectures were given by Rowena Sorioso, DOT, who gave an overview of TEST; Roselle Q. Ruiz, Provincial Tourism Operations Officer-Aklan, who gave the overview of Tourism Industry and Development in Aklan; Lilian dela Vega, Haribon Foundation, Overview of Diversity; Forester Anabelle B. Briones, Reforestation Program for Region 6; Captain Ruel Tabas, Regional Security Situation; Gigi Santos, Commissioner, Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving, Conservation of the Marine Environment Thru Diving; Jessica E. Eucogcan, Bank Executive Officer I, DBP Forest Program' and Conrad Perreras, Bamboo for Life: An Advocacy for Environmental Protection and Livelihood Generation.
The activity was also graced by Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo, who gave a short talk and assisted USEC Sarabia in the distribution of certificates of participation. (PIA)