Day 2 of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) Bicol wrapped up on a high note, with delegates receiving a welcome dinner hosted by Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda at Sumlang Lake in Camalig, following a productive day touring several Municipalities in Albay for a preview of the diverse tourism products that one may find in the Bicol Region.
Salceda, who served as Albay governor whose visionary leadership turned Albay into a “tourism juggernaut”, emphasized the importance of the industry as having a multiplier effect on the country’s employment.
Delivering her message, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco recounted her happy memories of leading the PEP delegation in exploring the Province Sorsogon and Albay.
“In the past two days, we have had the privilege and the blessing of witnessing the majestic beauty of your natural landscapes, chief of which, of course, is Mayon. We have had the privilege of meeting the people of Bicol and Albay, tasting your local delicacies, hearing your songs, witnessing your dances, learning about the rich and storied history of your provinces and your people and, in every turn, I found countless reasons to love Albay and to love Bicol,” Frasco noted.
“Congressman Joey, I feel that I have so much to learn from you, for with your leadership of this province, you have already put it on the map, and continue to do so because of your passion for tourism.”
“Daghang kaayong salamat for welcoming us with open arms, thank you for the hand of friendship, and that hand we accept with full humility. Particularly, Congressman Joey, I feel that I have so much to learn from you, for with your leadership of this province, you have already put it on the map, and continue to do so because of your passion for tourism,” the tourism chief stressed.
“You have all my support, and you have the trust and confidence of the people of Albay.”
Meanwhile, Salceda, extended his warmth and hospitality to the PEP delegation, and manifested his support to the tourism head saying that “You have all my support, and you have the trust and confidence of the people of Albay.”
Joining the seasoned lawmaker are local government officials of Albay, including Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo of Camalig, Mayor of Jorem Arcangel Jovellar, and Mayor Adrian Salceda of Polangui.
The PEP is the DOT’s flagship heritage, culture, and arts caravan. The Bicol leg of the program invited stakeholders including officers of national tourism associations including the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) – Philippines Chapter, national and regional tour operators and travel agencies, media, and municipal mayors from Cebu.
With Frasco are her husband, House Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, as well as DOT officials, Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, OIC-Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, DOT Region 5 Director Herbie Aguas, and Regional and Central Office Directors of the Department.
