‘Tourism estate’ centers seen to boost local economy
PRESIDENTIAL candidate Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson reiterated his proposal to establish ‘tourism estate’ centers in the most beautiful destinations across the country to stimulate local economic development and help all stakeholders in the tourism sector recover their pandemic losses.
Lacson brought it up during their recent town hall meeting in Argao, Cebu where they were asked to lay down their programs of government for the development of its local tourism industry, as well as in the nearby Municipality of Dalaguete.
“Government should support the efforts of a tourism estate to promote our tourism industry. We have very beautiful islands in the Philippines very, very beautiful comparable, if not surpassing, other islands in Asia,” Lacson told the Cebuanos last Wednesday April 6.
Tourism estates are generally defined as commercial spaces or complexes designed precisely to attract travelers and holiday seekers who want to enjoy leisurely activities, culture, nature tripping and other adventures.
For this to happen, vice-presidential candidate and Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III said it is important for both the local and national governments to provide a sustainable environment for tourists, including having a good peace and order situation.
“Kailangan i-develop natin ang domestic tourism. Huwag tayong umasa sa mga nanggagaling sa ibang bansa. Kailangan i-promote natin ang lugar natin Argao, Cebu; Dalaguete,” said Sotto, who traces his paternal family’s roots in Cebu.
“Para ‘yung mga nagbabakasyon imbes na pumunta sa Hong Kong, pumunta saSingapore, pumunta sa kung saan-saan, dito na pupunta sa ating bansa rin sa Cebu, sa Davao, sa Laoag o sa Boracay. Ganoon po dapat. Sa akin po domestic tourism ang mahalaga,” Sotto added.
Argao and Dalaguete are both first-class municipalities, which host some of the most beautiful beaches in Cebu. The former even earned the moniker ‘Torta Capital of the Province’ because of its famous Cebuano tart.
Senatorial candidate and former Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Piñol, who advocates food tourism, acknowledged the potential of ‘torta’ in attracting tourists to Argao, Cebu. He said this could even spur the development of its local food industry.
“Torta is one of the anchors of your tourism industry. That could be your main product that could attract tourists. But we in the national government assuming Ping Lacson, Tito Sotto, myself, Dr. Padilla and General Guillermo Eleazar win we will show you grounded governance,” Piñol said in a mix of English, Tagalog and Cebuano.
