A passion for our very own

I took note of PHILTOA's (Philippine Tour Operators Association), as well as of those from the private sector concerned, expression of gratitude to DOT Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano for his much-needed support in the nurture of domestic tourism. Secretary Durano's visible efforts in promoting local destinations to local and foreign tourists bode well for our thrust to bring Cebu to the forefront of Asean tourism. For our part, we have devoted some space on the cultural clustering of towns in Cebu, with the intention of enhancing their tourism potentials. The Cebu Provincial Tourism & Heritage Commission, through its various committees, is midway towards finalizing the research and assessment of these clusters.

I received an invitation from DOT Region 7 Director Patria Aurora "Dawnie" Roa for a tour throughout the sites of Negros Oriental (featured in the lifestyle section). I was so elated to have been given the chance to be in such places as Canlaon City, Bais City, Tanjay City, as well as the municipalities of Mabinay and Sibulan. It would have been my first time ever to set foot in those places...and I was the first to confirm my participation!...only to find out that there are two important meetings that I had to attend over that weekend. My writer Jad Conde had lots of materials and photos in his engaging article. Hope it will entice travelers to go that way.

Despite the withdrawal of Supercat in the Cebu-Bohol route, other vessels are still serving the destination, with equal amenities. Soon, the long-shelved Friendship Bridges from Cebu to Bohol and from Cebu to Negros Oriental may become a reality. In the recent Regional Development Council meeting of RDC 7, a resolution was approved en mass to endorse the project to the Office of the President to be prioritized for funding by the national government. The 18-km bridge to Getafe, Bohol will connect from Cordova, Mactan Island; while the 7-km bridge to Negros Oriental will connect from Santander, Cebu. These will make the ferry barges connecting the islands a thing of the past! And for those who love long rides, like me, the bridges will make Bohol and Negros Oriental truly accessible, not to mention the economic advantages of having products among the islands become more affordable with just the cost of trucking to contend with. Fresh produce become cheaper and more abundant by reaching destinations on record time. Wow! The possibilities make my imagination swirl into outer space!

Meantime, everything is in place for the preparation of the 16th Philippine Travel Mart scheduled on September 9 -11 at SM Megatrade Halls in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong. In the recent launch of the project, Secretary Durano lauded the travel mart "because it opens doors for emerging destinations to be promoted to a wider audience in a cost effective manner." PHILTOA president Leo Picaso bills it as the most expensive travel/trade fair in the country, serving as a one-stop showcase for buyers-travelers-property owners to be together so as to create the best possible tour packages to make our country a key player in the region.

It's good to know that we take cognizance of our very own and we make sure that these are promoted properly in the right arena.