Frasco to consult LGUs on tourism policies
INCOMING Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco vowed to consult with the local government units before creating policies that would affect tourism activities in the country.
In a welcome ceremony held at the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Office in Makati, Frasco underscored the importance of strong coordination between the national government and the LGU.
“There is the mandate by the local government code requiring prior coordination between the national and the local government and then there is the reality,” Frasco in her speech said after meeting the officials and regional directors of the Department.
The Secretary believed that national and local government cooperation is imperative for the Philippines tourism plans and programs to succeed.
“We all know that if we uplift the economic status of one LGU and translate that to the over 1400 plus municipalities 81 provinces, hundreds of cities across the country, uplifting each of their economies will uplift the economy of our nation as a whole. So it is inclusive, sustainable, innovative and collaborative tourism governance that I intend to bring to the Department of Tourism.”
Frasco said she plans to work hard to give proof to President Fedinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for the tourism industry to become a major pillar for economic recovery and resilience.
“I look forward as well, to examining all the plans and programs that have already been set in place, as well as presenting new additions and innovations to the successful programs all with a cohesive vision of not only bringing back the Philippines to its standing in the global stage, but uplifting our country to its full potential to occupy a primary position globally,” she said.
Frasco also said while it is important to continue to harness the marketability of the already well known tourism sites, they also need to “shed light” on the sites in the Philippines that have not yet had equal opportunity for promotion and product development.
“This means giving focus to all regions in the Philippines, including Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to replicate best practices in tourism that have already been proven successful in the various regions and to introduce innovations and digitalization where necessary,” she added.
