Bacolod City – Vice President Sara Duterte assured support for the Tourism Recovery Jumpstart of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, three years after the COVID-19 pandemic that created setbacks for the Philippine economy.
Upon learning that Kabankalan City is interested in putting up of tourism rest stops, Duterte, who attended the 116th founding anniversary of Kabankalan as a municipality, and launching of its tourism program, told Mayor Benjie Miranda and his constituents that she will endorse it to the Department of Tourism.
Stressing that when she was still the mayor of Davao City, they focused on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Convention and Exhibits) to attract tourists, Duterte advised Kabankalan City to look into its tourism strength, such as food, nightlife, mountains, seas, or religious sites.
This will entice the people to come back again and again, open opportunities for Kabankalan, she said, as the Vice President described tourism as a key pillar in economic growth.
Duterte also underscored the importance of a partnership between the local government units and the private sector, as well as institutionalization of tourism programs to ensure its continuity, despite the changing of leadership.
She also announced that the Office of the Vice President is also offering assistance to women, among other sectors, in promoting tourism in their respective areas, aside from providing them with livelihood opportunities and income.
Miranda, the first IP (Indigenous People) to ever hold the helm of leadership of Kabankalan City, bared the slogan “Aim High Kabankalan” to bolster the positioning of Kabankalan City as a premier city of Negros Occidental. (Gibert Bayoran via tvds photo by tvds)