The local government unit of Cagayan De Oro City led by Mayor Rolando Uy thanked the Department of Tourism for launching the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) in Northern Mindanao at its capital city of Misamis Oriental.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was in Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental to lead the PEP opening.
“This visit of Secretary Frasco to promote the Philippine Experience Program [in Cagayan De Oro City] is an opportunity to look into more improvements to our capacities and potentials. From the development of more tourism products and destinations in culture, heritage, and arts, to the improvement of access to these destinations, and to the volume of movement to these products, we are confident that the Department of Tourism, through our Regional Director May Salvana-Unchuan, is always with us in this aspiration,” Uy said in a message delivered by City Councilor Edgar Cabanlas.
“Not only will we be the transshipment and transit hub of tourism in Mindanao, but we will be the golden door to the wonders of Mindanao.”
“For us in Northern Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro City, where we live in harmony amidst our diversities, not only will we be the transshipment and transit hub of tourism in Mindanao, but we will be the golden door to the wonders of Mindanao,” the mayor added.
Uy likewise emphasized the rich and colorful history of Mindanao as a region which makes it a destination full of wealth and wonders.
Thus, the PEP, he said, will create more opportunities for the region as far as tourism is concerned.
“Mindanao has a colorful history and culture. It is a destination where diversity is its wealth. It is a destination where experiences and adventures are limitless. This Philippine Experience Program of the Department of Tourism is an opportunity where we can promote not only in the country but to the whole world the wealth of our culture, our heritage, our artsz This will not only educate everyone of our capacities and potentials, [but] will also open our doors for new opportunities that will benefit everyone in Mindanao,” Uy explained.
“With this, we at the city government of the City of Golden Friendship, we will work double time to improve our tourism sector, our touring and travel capacities; we will encourage and invite more investments to improve our accommodation capacities; we will continue to provide ease in doing business for those in the tourism sector; (and) we will strengthen our capacities for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions which we have just activated recently,” he stressed.
In her message to all PEP delegates, Frasco emphasized the importance of the event, citing as well how domestic tourism contributed greatly to the gains of the industry post-pandemic.
“We are gathered here under the banner of the Philippine Experience, a flagship program under the Marcos Administration that seeks to open the eyes of the world to the wonders of our nation, not only from the lens of our award-winning and emerging destinations but also, most importantly, through our heart and our soul that can only be known through our songs, our dances, our food, our local indigenous communities, our local dialects, the products of our local artisans and makers,” the tourism chief said.
She noted that the goal of PEP is primarily to [re]introduce emerging destinations in the country, including areas in Northern Mindanao, to equalize tourism opportunities.
“By showcasing emerging destinations such as Cagayan de Oro and other areas in northern Mindanao, we are expanding the tourism map of the Philippines.”
“The Philippine Experience Program perfectly aligns with the National Tourism Development Plan approved by our President under his administration. By showcasing emerging destinations such as Cagayan de Oro and other areas in northern Mindanao, we are expanding the tourism map of the Philippines. That as we support our award-winning and already well-known destinations globally, we give opportunities for tourism development for those that are yet to be known by our tourists worldwide. This strategy not only diversifies our tourism offerings, but most importantly distributes economic benefits all over the country,” she said.
In 2023, the year ended with the Philippines raking over $53.3 billion in domestic tourism expenditure alone, as emphasized by Frasco in her speech.
With PEP, the Department aims to further the figures through the presence of foreign dignitaries who are joining the program so they themselves can share the stories to “Love The Philippines”.
“The success of the tourism industry hinges on our collective efforts. By fostering destinations like Cagayan de Oro into this new era of tourism under the Marcos administration, by celebrating our culture, by promoting sustainable tourism development practices, we are paving the way for a future where the tourism sector contributes significantly to the national economy and where its benefits are enjoyed by every Filipino. Let us continue to work together to showcase the many reasons to love and celebrate the Philippines, to cherish our shared heritage, and ensure that the beauty of our land and the warmth of our people are known all over the world,” she concluded.
