𝗟𝗔 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗣 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦; 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗠 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗧𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗗

By: Joanna C. Guerrero, Information Officer IV, PGLU | Photos By: PGLU | Date: August 17, 2022

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With the aim to upscale the Tourism Industry in the Province of La Union, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Tourism chaired by Board Member Joy R. Ortega spearheaded a Committee Hearing cum On-Boarding Meeting with Tourism Stakeholders on August 17, 2022 at the SP Building, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union.

Members of the La Union Culture, Arts and Tourism Officers Association (LUCATOA) were invited to discuss the current tourism situation in their municipalities which will serve as basis for the formulation of possible legislative measures by the August Body that shall enhance the performance of the province in terms of tourism and solve issues arising from the implementation of programs.

Significant topics such as creation of plantilla positions for tourism officers were also raised as specified in the Tourism Act of 2009. This was brought out considering that La Union is only 3 years away from its vision to be the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025. “In order to attain our vision, we need to see the importance of strengthening the manpower working for this,” says BM Ortega, emphasizing the extra efforts the tourism officers are exerting towards the achievement of the vision for La Union.

Ms. Sunshine Dela Cruz of the Municipality of Agoo shared their tourism best practices which include the processes they have done in developing a Tourism Office in their LGU. LUCATOA president Daryll Dacumos presented their organization’s policy recommendations which include the allocation of the Tourism Recovery Fund which will be utilized in times of calamities and pandemic; provision of parking spaces for tourism; and mandatory accreditation of tourism enterprises.

Ordinance No. 158-2018 mandating tourism establishments to submit tourist arrival reports was also revisited and amendment on penalties for non-compliance were proposed to include non-renewal of business permits for violators.

The PGLU Executive Department, headed by Gov. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, through its Provincial Tourism Officer Arthur S. Cortez Jr. stated that they will work closely with the committee and other stakeholders in support to #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan to ensure that legislative measures shall be implemented accordingly. Mr. Cortez reported that they are continuing their assistance to the Tourism Officers in building up their tourism programs and activities.

BM Ortega expressed her gratitude to the attendees and assured them of the committee’s support saying, “There’s a solution for everything. I am happy to have heard your concerns, suggestions, stories and best practices. We have noted everything and the SP Committee on Tourism is committed to ensuring that appropriate legislative actions will take place.” “Everything in the tourism industry is dynamic. It’s either you get overwhelmed by the complexity of the challenge or you fall in love with the creativity of the solutions. Let’s keep the fire burning,” she added.

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