In a show of support to the local tourism industry of Oriental Mindoro, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco joined divers in the town of Puerto Galera for a scuba diving activity at La Laguna Point, a popular dive spot at the local travel destination.
Frasco, who sits as the chairman of the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), said that the DOT’s presence in Puerto Galera shows the commitment of the current administration to help the industry recover not only in times of crisis, but also during challenging situations.
“The Philippines, including Puerto Galera and Mindoro, continues to be a beautiful tourist destination.”
Puerto Galera continues to be unaffected by the oil spill and it continues to open itself to tourism worldwide. We are hopeful that through the efforts of the Provincial Government of Mindoro, our local government units, our mayors, our congressmen, as well as the help of the regional offices of the Department of Tourism, the tourism recovery and transformation under the Marcos Administration will continue. Notwithstanding the difficulties, the challenges, and the calamities this province has and is facing, the Philippines, including Puerto Galera and Mindoro, continues to be a beautiful tourist destination,” the tourism chief said.
The tourism head said that the visit is also to encourage more tourists to continue visiting the destination as it remains unaffected by the oil spill caused by the sunken tanker MT Princess Empire off the coast of Oriental Mindoro.
“We are hopeful that the message is sent across to everyone and they should come and visit Puerto Galera.”
“Napakaganda ng Puerto Galera! We are hopeful that the message is sent across to everyone and they should come and visit Puerto Galera,” she enthused.
Frasco was joined by DOT Dive Committee alternate chairperson and Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation Shalimar Hofer Tamano, Region 4B Director Zeny Pallugna, and Puerto Galera Mayor Rocky Ilagan.
Apart from its white beach, Puerto Galera is famous for its scuba diving spots offering diving veterans and even enthusiasts a diverse view of the underneath, combining an impressive view of shipwrecks, corals, and other marine life.
Puerto Galera’s local economy is heavily reliant on tourism.
Local tourism data also showed that total tourist departure from April 3 to 10, 2023 was 17,776.
