AsTG – LA UNION PARTAKES IN THE 9th NATIONAL TOURISM CONVENTION
[wp-svg-icons icon="user" wrap="span"] By: Arnel O. Mamaril, PITO-LU | [wp-svg-icons icon="camera" wrap="span"] By: PITO-LU | [wp-svg-icons icon="calendar" wrap="span"] Date: June 24, 2018
BIGGEST DELEGATION. Association of Tour Guides in La Union (AsTG-LU) is the biggest delegation as non TGFED member during the 9th National Tour Guides Convention Welcome Dinner on June 16, 2018 held at the Capitol Plaza, Capitol Complex, Lingayen, Pangasinan.
With the aim to develop the tourism industry in the province, the Association of Tour Guides in La Union (AsTG-LU) supported by the Provincial Government of La Union headed by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III, joined the 9th National Tourism Convention conducted by the Philippine Federation of Professional Tour Guide Associations (TGFED) with the theme “Tour Guides: Shepherds of Tourists, Stewards of Mother Nature” on June 16-18, 2018 held at Lingayen, Pangasinan.
The three-day convention was participated in by different tour guide associations in the Philippines. Cong. Leopoldo Bataoil of Pangasinan welcomed the participants in a welcome dinner hosted by Lingayen, Pangasinan. On the said night, AsTG-LU was awarded as non-TGFED member having the biggest delegation.
As part of the convention, the participants planted mangroves at Alaminos, Pangasinan. They have also engaged in various tourism activities such as Hundred Island hoping where they were able to experience adventure activities like Helmet Diving, Ziplining, and Banana Boat Riding.
Participants were able to showcase their regional attire during the governor’s night. Said costumes depicted their regions’ rich heritage and culture. Organizational presentations illustrating the culture and tourism industry of respective regions were also rendered.
The third day of the convention was exclusively arranged for plenary sessions. Former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary Regina Lopez served as one of the speakers. “It is not the money that makes the difference… it is the heart.,” she said. Known for her ecological advocacies, Ms. Lopez called for environment protection and preservation through initiating projects out of love that support this advocacy. According to her another major role of tour guides aside from channeling tourism problems is to become “Earth warriors” and “change agent.”
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat also attended the said gathering during the DOT Night Masquerade Ball at Sison Auditorium. “Lagi nilang sinasabi sa akin na napakamalas mo naman, pagpasok mo ng DOT, sarado ang Boracay. But I said, maganda ’yon, at least we can learn from it at hindi na dapat maulit,” she shared. She also added that tourists must be educated to become more responsible. Local Government Units (LGUs) with environmental programs must be acknowledged to set good examples to other LGUs.
New set of officers and Board of trustees also took their oath during the convention. Mr. Alberto Gadia of Philippine Association of Accredited Tourist Guide Lecturers (PAATGLI) was elected as the president of TGFED.
The convention likewise made a clear visualization on how to manage and keep the booming tourism industry of La Union sustainable. It also emphasized the importance of protecting tourist destinations and the need for awareness of responsible ecotourism in the province.
The host for the National Tour Guides Convention is Bicol Region.
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