With the colors of Mindanao as backdrop, the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the Bisita, Be My Guest program in a festive ceremony at the SP Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
Performers from Teatro Kalakat and Hinugyaw dance group from Koranadal City enthralled the guests with cultural performances highlighting the rich heritage of SOCCSKSARGEN.
Addressing a crowd of some 200 guests composed of tourism stakeholders, local executives and officials, foreign retirees, expatriates, and diplomats, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco underscored the commitment of the Department of Tourism under the Marcos Administration to equalize tourism development and promotion, providing more opportunities to lesser-known destinations.
“No other industry is able to give such a great opportunity for economic advancement in the farthest places in our country other than tourism.”
“Our President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. very early on articulated in his administration that tourism is a priority, recognizing the power that tourism holds as far as its ability to change the lives of our fellow Filipinos. No other industry is able to give such great opportunity for economic advancement in the farthest places in our country other than tourism,” Frasco said.
“And his directive, together with the support of our Vice President Sara Duterte, is to allow tourism to be seen, felt, and heard in the countryside to leave no one behind in the development of tourism,” the tourism chief pointed out.
“Under the Marcos administration, the Department of Tourism is embarking on an aggressive program to give attention not only to our key destinations which we will continue to promote but also to our emerging and lesser-known destinations.”
“And that is why we are here today, to let you know that under the Marcos administration, the Department of Tourism is embarking on an aggressive program to give attention not only to our key destinations which we will continue to promote but also to our emerging and lesser-known destinations. Panahon na sa Sultan Kudarat, inyu na ning oras na mulambo ang turismo sa inyong probinsya,” the tourism head added.
The event is the first regional launch of the Bisita, Be My Guest program.
“I have come here today in full force with the Department of Tourism officials as well as our Regional office if only to emphasize the importance with which we view Sultan Kudarat as having great potential for tourism development, this is a manifestation of our commitment to you, and to the people of Sultan Kudarat,” she said.
The Bisita, Be My Guest Program is an online referral program which provides incentives to Filipinos.
Based on the program mechanics, Filipinos will be the “Sponsors”, and their foreign nationals who will travel to the Philippines will be the “INVITEES”.
Among the exciting prizes at stake are condominium units from Megaworld Corporation and SMDC, House and Lot from Amaia Land, Shopping Spree from Rustan’s, and SM Supermalls.
Gracing the event are Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Sangki Mangudadatu, Representative Princess Bai Rihan Mangudadatu- Sakaluran, and Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Operating Officer Marga Nograles.
Also present are DOT Officials: Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, OIC Undersecretary Verna Covar-Buensuceso, Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno, DOT-SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director King Arina, and DOT Central Office Directors Judilyn Quiacho, Ronald Conopio, and Ina Zara-Loyola.
