Pia Cayetano as tourism head draws mixed views

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu tourism stakeholders would have wanted a Cebuano to lead the Department of Tourism but it seems that President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is already considering Senator Pia Cayetano for the post.

The possibility of Cayetano being appointed as Tourism Secretary generated mixed reactions from industry leaders.

"I cannot undermine Sen. Pia Cayetano's track record especially in the senate. If ever she accepts the post as DOT Secretary, it is fine with us but she really needs to double time as there are lots of things to be done at the department," said Cebu Association of Travel Operators (CATO) president Edilberto Mendoza Jr.

According to Mendoza, one of the most important qualifications that a DOT Secretary must possess is his/her knowledge of the Philippine history and geography.

"He/She should be well versed on our country's rich culture and heritage."

A reliable source from Duterte’s camp told The FREEMAN that the former Davao City Mayor has invited Cayetano to lead the tourism post, however, the lady Senator has yet to accept the offer.

While Cayetano has proven her good marketing skills, excellent people skills, and strong drive for excellence, Network of Independent Travel Agencies (Nitas) chairman Robert Lim Joseph said she should also polish her skills to be accessible to the stakeholders, "She should not be prima donna."

Tourism advocate and educator Milagros Espina said that whether the president appoints a secretary from Cebu or Cayetano, a Department of Tourism head must have a rich background and experience in the history, perspectives; thrusts and issues of Philippine and global tourism.

"Cebu has a wealth of tourism resources and ever increasing tourism arrivals, which contribute greatly to our economy. The president should consider someone from Cebu to head this department," said Espina.

Cayetano, on the other hand, who has versatile and creative leadership, could enrich other cabinet positions on environment or women concerns.

Whoever will head the Tourism Department must have a sense of continuity and creativity and the energy to source out as many tourism potentials of the country," Espina added.

Espina however said that Cayetano, who is highly identified in the sports tourism activities, could ably expand this dimension if ever she will accept the post.

 Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) president Julie Najar said that secretary Ramon Jimenez has done a good job marketing the Philippines as a destination, the new DOT secretary now needs to do the ground work on the improvement of infrastructure of the various destinations around the archipelago. (FREEMAN)