Dungo makes pitch for tourism

MANILA, Philippines - The 15th Asian Men’s Senior Volleyball championship could also serve as a vehicle to promote local tourism among foreign teams and delegates when the event is held Sept. 26-Oct. 5 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and San Andres gym.

Gener Dungo, the newly elected vice-president of Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF), said he would encourage the foreign contingents to see tourist and historical spots around Metro Manila during the championship.

“This is a great opportunity to promote the country while we are hosting this international event,” said Dungo, chief executive officer of CNG Vehicles Corporation and Omnium Philippines. 

“Besides volleyball, PVF is aiming to promote our cultural heritage and show the world that we have beautiful places here,” said Dungo, referring to tourist spots in the country like Rizal Park, Intramuros and the Roxas Boulevard sunset.

The participating countries are host Philippines, Lebanon, Iran, Myanmar, Kazakhstan, Chinese-Taipei, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Qatar Maldives, Korea, Japan, China and defending champion Australia.

Lebanon, Iran and Qatar arrived early for the weeklong event supported by CNG Vehicles Corporation, Omnium Philippines, Shakey’s, Pocari Sweat, Bayview Hotel, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), City Garden Hotel, Hyatt Hotel, Solar Sports, ASICS and Mikasa.

The vehicles to transport the athletes from airport to hotel, Dungo said, will be fueled by compressed natural gas to promote alternative fuel which is a project of the Department of Energy.

Air-conditioned jeepneys, on the other hand, would be used by the athletes as transportation from hotel to the two venues – Ninoy Aquino Stadium and San Andres gym – to also promote the traditional Filipino public vehicles.

Dungo urged all national sports associations to promote sports tourism, when they are hosting an international event.

“Sports tourism can be cost-effective and profitable for the country not only on their respective sports. I hope everybody would support it,” said Dungo.

Lawyer Vic Rodriguez was recently tapped by the PVF as its legal counsel.