Source: PNA file photo
Vote for San Fernando as Asia’s leading cultural city destination
SENIOR Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. on Thursday urged Filipinos and foreign tourists to vote for the City of San Fernando, Pampanga’s capital, as Asia’s leading cultural city destination for the World Travel Awards.
In a statement, Gonzales said, “I encourage all Filipinos and foreigners who have visited or plan to visit our country to vote for the City of San Fernando on the World Travel Awards website and help us bring this well-deserved honor home.”
He said he is proud and overjoyed to join his province mates in celebrating the nomination of the city, which is part of his district, for the prestigious awards.
“To be chosen by industry stakeholders as the only nominee in the Philippines and one of only seven in Asia – together with one in China, two in Vietnam, one in Japan, one in South Korea, and another in India – is in itself a singular honor for our country, our province and our people,” he said.
He added that as representative of Pampanga’s third district, he takes “immense pride in our City’s rich cultural heritage – from the world-renowned lantern-making industry, crafted by generations of excellent Kapampangan artisans, to our historic Paskuhan Village, the first year-round Christmas theme park in Asia showcasing the very best of Filipino arts and craftsmanship.”
He pointed out that in fact, in recognition of this vibrant tradition, he had filed with the House of Representatives Bill No. 6933, which seeks to officially declare Pampanga as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.
The bill had been approved by the House and is pending with the Senate.
Gonzales said San Fernando City’s “nomination for the most prestigious and globally recognized travel award is a shining testament to the creativity, resilience and spirit of our people.”
“I extend my deepest gratitude to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. for his steadfast support in revitalizing our tourism sector,” he said.
According to its website, the World Travel Awards are the most prestigious accolade in the global travel and tourism industry. They will be given in a conference of industry stakeholders in Bahrain in December this year.
Voting for the awards closes on Aug. 31.
