- GILBERT BAYORAN
Vice President Sara Duterte Tuesday, March 14, assured support to the Tourism Recovery Jumpstart of Kabankalan City, three years into the COVID-19 pandemic.
Upon learning that Kabankalan is interested in putting up tourism rest stops, Duterte told Mayor Benjie Miranda and his constituents that she will endorse it to the Department of Tourism.
The Vice President was in Kabankalan to attend its 116th founding anniversary and launching of its tourism program.
Stressing that Davao City, when she was still the mayor, focused on MICE or Meetings, Incentives, Convention and Exhibits, in attracting tourists, Duterte advised the city government to look into its tourism strength, such as food, nightlife, mountains, sea or religious sites.
“This will entice people to come back, again and again, and open opportunities for Kabankalan,” Duterte said, who described tourism as a key pillar in the economic growth.
Duterte also underscored the importance of a partnership between local government units and the private sector, as well as the institutionalization of tourism programs to ensure its continuity, despite changes in leadership.
She announced that the Office of the Vice President also offers assistance to women, among other sectors, in promoting tourism in their respective areas, aside from providing them with livelihood opportunities and income.
Miranda, who is the first IP (Indigenous People) mayor of Kabankalan, adopted the slogan “Aim High Kabankalan”, to bolster the city’s position as a premier city of Negros Occidental./GB
