‘Tourism key to job creation’

MANILA, Philippines - Team PNoy senatorial candidate Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara yesterday expressed support to government efforts to promote the country’s tourism industry in order to open employment and economic opportunities for the people.

“If the government sustains tourism’s momentum, this would translate to job creation and economic growth. And if our economy continues to develop, then it would be truly more fun in the Philippines, especially for the poor Filipinos,” Angara said.

He said last week’s signing by President Aquino of the law removing certain taxes on foreign airlines would boost tourism.

Angara is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 9593, or the Tourism Act of 2009, which declares a national policy of tourism as an engine of investment, employment, growth, and national development.

He said the lifting of safety concerns on Philippine aviation in 2008 by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is another boost to tourism.