DOT supports call to build more parks

CEBU, Philippines — Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco vows full support for the development of more parks in the country as she also expressed confidence that the tourism industry will recover and rise stronger.

“The Department of Tourism (DOT) extends its full support to the efforts of the national parks as well as our attached agencies to continue to develop the culture of tourism, which includes the continued development of our parks not only here in the National Capital Region (NCR) but also all over the Philippines,” Frasco said during the opening of the 1st Philippine Parks Congress at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium.

“Parks are important because it allows us and our families to commune with nature, to spend quality time with each other, and to remind us that despite how busy life may get, we must always take time to relax, unwind, and spend time to be in touch with nature and commune with the Earth,” Frasco said.

Even before the said event, the DOT, through its concerned agencies, has already begun reaching out to the local government units (LGUs) across the Philippines to provide them assistance and guidance in the development of parks within their jurisdiction.

“One of our objectives is to ensure that we are able to provide continued opportunities for tourism product development across the country by lending the expertise of the DOT as well as its attached agencies towards efforts at educating and building capabilities of LGUs and private individuals that may be interested in partnering with us pursuant to our development of product, of tourism product portfolios,” Frasco said.

She is even eager to work hard for Philippine tourism after she ranked third in a survey by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD).

Frasco had a 71 percent approval rating behind Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos (75%) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo (73%).

The survey was based on an RPMD poll conducted last November 3 to 10, 2022 using face-to-face interviews with 5,000 respondents picked randomly among 7.3 million adult Filipinos living in Metro Manila.

“The result of the RPMD survey is an affirmation of the hard work of the men and women of the Department of Tourism and the entire industry and the sectors that it encompasses. This will be an inspiration as we carry on with zeal and optimism the tasks that will lead us to the resurgence of tourism,” said Frasco.

“The role is challenging given the setbacks the industry has faced in the past two years. In our effort to listen to stakeholders, we were able to gain valuable insight of the industry’s needs and we continue to form collaborative relationships that ensure recovery that is inclusive and responsive. Led by our President, the tourism industry will recover and rise stronger than ever.” Frasco added. (FREEMAN)