Lim ignores call to quit

CEBU, Philippines - Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim refuses to dignify a call for his resignation saying there are more important things to do to promote the country’s tourism.

Lim, who was in Cebu for the Philippine Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions/Events Conference (MICECON) 2011, also got the support of the two top officials of Cebu province.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said resignation should not be an option for Lim saying that the latter was chosen by a President who was elected by the people and ordained by God to serve his people.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who chairs the provincial board’s committee on tourism, is likewise opposed to the call for Lim’s resignation.

Roberto Lim Joseph, a tourism stakeholder, earlier called for Lim’s resignation and the DOT’s abolition. Joseph proposed to place the tourism sector as a bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry

“We already do not have a clear tourism campaign strategy, now is not the time to have another experiment,” Garcia said.

Magpale on the other hand said there is so much that needs to be done in the tourism industry rather than thinking of abolishing the agency.

Lim, when asked about Joseph’s call, said he will just focus himself in supporting the MICECON which kicked off yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City.

Lim said he will also concentrate in the promotion of tourism in the country including Cebu.

MICECON is a two-pronged strategy of promoting the Philippines as a global Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions or MICE destination while helping our industry embark on product development that suits international requirements and standards. (FREEMAN)