DOT Secretary Frasco Visits La Union, Launches PEP for Cultural Preservation
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Wendell Tangalin, Rizalde Buenaventura, Jahp Pulido, PIO, and DOT-Office of Public Affairs and Advocacy | Date: March 20, 2024
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco visited La Union to launch the Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Culture, Heritage, and Arts Caravan in Region 1 on March 20, 2024. The initiative aims to expand the concept to cover all regions of the country, diversifying cultural tourism offerings, equalizing opportunities, and supporting the preservation of heritage and artistic resources.
During their visit, the PEP delegates, who were welcomed by Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, experienced a glimpse of the province through different local spots. They visited Halo-Halo de Iloko La Mansion in San Fernando City, La Union, where they enjoyed an authentic Ilocano cuisine lunch. The delegation also witnessed a hatchling release in Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union, and learned about pawikan conservation and protection through a briefing conducted by Mr. Carlos Tamayo of Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions. Gov. Rafy and Sec. Frasco also engaged in discussions regarding La Union's commendable strides in sustainable tourism, underscoring the dynamic collaboration between the Department of Tourism and the Provincial Government of La Union.
On a separate itinerary, Sec. Frasco visited the Bacnotan Farmer’s Agri-Tourism Center. Bacnotan Mayor Divina Fontanilla personally gave the tourism secretary a tour as the latter learned about the municipality’s sericulture industry and buffalo milk processing.
Also present to welcome Sec. Frasco and the PEP delegates were Vice Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member and Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism Geraldine Joy Ortega, Provincial Administrator Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III, San Fernando City Vice Mayor Alfredo Pablo “Alf” Ortega, Bacnotan Vice Mayor Francisco Angelito Fontanilla, and some Members of the City and Municipal Councils of San Fernando and Bacnotan.
The Philippine Experience Caravan in La Union highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the province and promoted local artists and cultural organizations. The initiative aligned with the Provincial Government of La Union’s goal of promoting cultural tourism circuits focused on food and gastronomy, pilgrimage, wellness, festivals, living cultures and heritage, and the arts.
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