St. Paul University Dumaguete recently organized and hosted the Tourism Educators Congress anchored on the theme Tourism and Biodiversity last Sept. 27 at the Mere Maria Hall, in partnership with the Negros Oriental Business Development Foundation Inc., the Negros Oriental Investment & Promotion Center, and the Department of Tourism — Central Visayas, participated by the different educational institutions in the province of Negros Oriental and Siquijor Island and various tourism stakeholders and media partners. {{more}}
Newly-appointed Tourism Region VII Regional Director Rowena Lu Y. Montecillo attended the gathering as keynote speaker, together with Leonilo C. Agustin, DOT and SBMA consultant on Special Tourism Projects, and Redempto Y. Gonzalez, DOT Accreditation officer as resource speakers.
Director Montecillo emphasized the importance of the private-public stakeholder’s partnership and collaboration as well as the relation between tourism and biodiversity.
Meanwhile, Agustin and Gonzalez presented the Tourism Act of 2009 with its new changes, updates and developments.
Moreover, Alice Kintanar—Queblatin, immediate past president of the Cebu Association of Travel & Tours, and Jovito Danilo C. Nazareno, president of the Philippine Federation of Professional Tour Guides Association Inc. also graced the occasion as panel of reactors, with Francisco C. Martinez, NOIPC executive director as moderator.
SPUD President Sr. Ma. Nilda C. Masirag, SPC and Engr. Gregorio L. Uymatiao, Jr., NOBDF chair, welcomed more than 700 guests and participants.
During the congress, Negros Oriental Provincial Vice Gov. Roel R. Degamo and Dumaguete City Administrator William Ablong were present to extend their support to the event. Degamo elaborated the importance of the collaborative partnership among stakeholders.
The Provincial Tourism Office of Negros Oriental and the Sidlakang Negros Association of Tourism Officers Inc. also supported the congress. (Rafael Duhaylungsod/SPUD)
