Pagdanganan gets backing of various groups

The tourism sector, along with influential groups and employees of the Department of tourism re-intensified their clamor for the retention of Tourism Secretary Roberto Pagdanganan, who they said can effectively sustain significant gains achieved by the industry.

Pagdanganan, who replaced senator-elect Richard Gordon, succeeded in sustaining the gains of his predecessor’s WOW Philippines campaign which led to steady increases in tourist arrivals.

Arrivals from January to June 15 this year reached 1,014,038 or a 31-percent increase over the same period last year. During Pagdanganan’s first 100 days (Feb. 24 to June 2, 2004) as tourism chief, tourist arrivals balolooned by 44.77 percent compared to the same period last year with 606,529 arrivals.

"DOT employees fully support the retention of Secretary Pagdanganan, his vast experience in government service and his managerial and marketing skills are assets that would definitely further boost the country’s tourism industry," said Exequiel Erfelo, president of the DOT Employees Association (DOTEA).

He added that an appeal for Pagdanganan’s retention as Tourism chief, signed by hundreds of DOTEA members, has been sent to Malacañang.

DOT Region 7 employees also said that Pagdanganan may have been in office for just four months, but his style of leadership has proven to be productive. He not only listens and acts swiftly on industry needs and demands, he also believes in consulting the stakeholders before making important decisions.

Pagdanganan recently received a call from Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Robert L. Go, who pointed out that his group is fully supportive of his leadership at the tourism department.