250 tourists from US to interact with IPs

MANILA, Philippines — With an estimated 250 tourists from the United States joining a tour of Northern Mindanao, the Philippine consulate general in New York has expressed confidence that the region has a lot to offer to visitors.

The office of the consulate general will lead the 15th year of the “Very Important Pinoy” or VIP Tour, which was established by the Philippine embassy in the US, to bring Filipino-Americans and Americans of Filipino descent to the Philippines for tourism and economic purposes.

Consul General Senen Mangalile said among the highlights of this year’s VIP Tour is the immersion of visitors with indigenous communities in Mindanao, including the Maranao tribe.

This year, the VIP Tour will bring visitors from various parts of the US, including New York and Hawaii, to Bacolod in Negros Occidental as well as in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Bukidnon.

“Our idea was to explore destinations that were not featured before. This time, we want a very close encounter between the tour participants and the local communities,” Mangalile said.

Tourists will have the chance to experience the Masskara Festival in Bacolod City.

“They will understand our heritage and taste our festivals once they immerse themselves in communities,” Mangalile said.

Local police in destinations for this year’s VIP Tour will secure the visitors.

Leonora Galleros-Tinio, one of the participants in this year’s VIP Tour, said she is excited to return to her hometown in Mindanao.

The tour will run until July 29. It was organized by the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Tourism as well as the Tourism Promotions Board, and implemented by Rajah Tours Corp.