Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco reassured residents of Tawi-Tawi of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) support, as it pursues its objective of equalizing tourism opportunities ensuring tourism development where “no one is left behind.”
Frasco stressed this as the tourism chief graced the 50th Kamahardikaan sin Tawi-Tawi recently as guest of honor.
“You may find yourselves in the farthest part of our country, but you are not far from the hearts and minds of our President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.,” the tourism head stated during her keynote message.
“Hindi po kayo nag-iisa dito sa Tawi-Tawi. Nandito po ‘yong inyong gobyerno para tumulong sa inyong turismo.”
“Under the administration of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, Jr., he envisions tourism that is transformative where opportunities are abundant and livelihoods thrive because the government reaches out its hand of collaboration to the farthest reaches of our country so that no destination is left behind in the development of the tourism industry. Hindi po kayo nag-iisa dito sa Tawi-Tawi. Nandito po ‘yong inyong gobyerno para tumulong sa inyong turismo,” she added.
The 50th Kamahardikaan sin Tawi-Tawi is the Province of Tawi-Tawi’s celebration of its 50th founding anniversary, and its illustrious half-century of progress, unity, and vibrant cultural tourism heritage.
“Magtatagumpay talaga ang turismo ng Tawi-Tawi, sapagkat the best asset of the province of Tawi-Tawi, is no other than the people of Tawi-Tawi.”
“As Secretary of the Department of Tourism, I am happy and honored to have made the journey here to the southernmost province of the Philippines. As a Filipino coming here for the first time, my heart brims with pride knowing that while the world has only recently begun to know of the beauty of Tawi-Tawi, the story of the strength, resilience, courage, and hard work of the people of Tawi-Tawi spans generations. At kahit napakainit po ng panahon ngayon, mas mainit pa rin po ‘yung inyong pagtanggap sa amin. Kaya naman po alam ko na magtatagumpay talaga ang turismo ng Tawi-Tawi, sapagkat the best asset of the province of Tawi-Tawi, is no other than the people of Tawi-Tawi,” she continued.
“Through the celebration of these festivals, the 50th anniversary of your province, and the remembrance of your history and heritage, you contribute greatly to the Filipino identity that we are so proud to herald to the world. Nakikiisa po ako sa inyo. Nakikiisa ang Department of Tourism sa pagsulong ng turismo sa Tawi-Tawi. Tawi-Tawi to the world. Love Tawi-Tawi. Love The Philippines,” Secretary Frasco ended.
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Governor Yshmael “Mang” Sali, Hja. Jumda Sali, Vice Governor Al-syaed Sali, and Maureen Omar-Sali graced the Province of Tawi-tawi’s 50th founding anniversary festivities.
Also among the celebration’s distinguished guests were Maguindanao del Norte Governor Sammy Macacua, South Cotabato Province Governor Jun Tamayo, Cotabato Province Governor Lala Mendoza, Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Ann Hofer, Municipality of Liloan Mayor Aljew Frasco, Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy, Municipality of Bongao Mayor Jimuel Que, and Tawi-Tawi Mayors and Provincial Board Members.
DOT officials also participated in the event, including Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Marga Nograles, Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, and DOT Region 9 Regional Director Dara Mae Cataluna.
