DOT chief: Cebu can move on its own

CEBU, Philippines – While the tourism stakeholders in Cebu are anxiously waiting for the concrete plan of the new Department of Tourism (DOT) management, secretary Alberto Lim expressed confidence that Cebu can move, even with less help from the government.

In an interview with Lim, he said that Cebu has been very dynamic in the tourism industry, and that the government still has to push other potential destinations that need its optimum support.

"Cebu can do it by itself," Lim said adding that Cebu stakeholders are pro-active enough to draw its own program and that the government will well support it.

Lim mentioned that assurance made by the President Benigno Aquino's administration thrust to re-enforce the development of tourism in the country, as it has been identified as the 4th engine of growth for the country.

The new tourism chief said that Cebu will be able to benefit by the new government's thrust on pursuing infrastructure projects that will improve the attractiveness of the country as a premier tourism destination.

The expansion and improvement of the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIAA) for instance is one of the identified projects, including the implementation of the Panglao International Airport.

On the other hand, Cebu private sector leaders maintained its position for the government to re-consider the Cebu-Bohol Friendship Bridge, while making Panglao Airport as secondary priority.

Businessman Michael Basubas said that Cebu as a gateway for any destination in Southern Philippines should be further emphasized saying the need for building the 19-kilometer "Friendship Bridge" would provide a mutual economic development for Cebu and Bohol.

At present, Basubas believes that Bohol still not needing an international airport yet, if the bridge will be built, Cebu will remain as a hub or gateway, complementing Bohol's tourism attraction.

For his part, Cebu tourism prime mover Jay P. Aldeguer, in his speech before the Aquino economic managers, he said that "Cebuanos are taking the leadership in tourism very seriously."

Aldeguer emphasized Cebu's promising bid to sell Cebu as a "product," or a "brand" to the international market. However, he emphasized that "Cebu can not do it alone."

"Cebuanos will commit to make Cebu as a world-class product-but we need your help," he told the PNoy economic team.

It is re-assuring however, that the Aquino government is prioritizing the development of tourism Aldeguer said but Cebu as the leader for tourism in the Philippines should get an immediate support from the government.

"We are pleased that tourism has become a priority, not only for DOT but for all key agencies and departments. Cebu will surely benefit from this. And we really want to see the Cebu-Bohol-Bridge materialize," Aldeguer said. (FREEMAN)