PGLU CONDUCTS PRIORITIZATION FOR TOURISM SITE DEVELOPMENT
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza | Photo By: GPC-PIO | Date: May 17, 2019
Provincial Information Officer (Tourism Officer Designate) Mr. Adamor L. Dagang presents the Project D.R.E.A.M.S. (Destinations, Restorations, Eco-Sustainability, Agri-tourism, Medical Assistance, Security and Accessibility) to the members of the Initiative Team on Provincial Tourism Site Development Program during the Consultation Meeting on the Prioritization for Tourism Site Development on May 17, 2019 at the Tourism Operations Meeting Hall, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union. The activity was in line with the implementation of the provincial priorities, thrusts, programs and projects under the administration of Gov. Pacoy as part of the 2019-2022 La Union Medium-Term Tourism Strategy.
The Provincial Government of La Union through the Provincial Information Office – Tourism Operations Unit conducted a Consultation Meeting with the members of the Initiative Team on Provincial Tourism Site Development Program on May 17, 2019 at the Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union. This is in response to the pressing competency gaps and needs that majority of the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the province are facing in the planning and implementation of tourism development projects,
Provincial Information Officer Adamor L. Dagang presented to the body the Project D.R.E.A.M.S. of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) as reference and for the team to develop criteria for the prioritization. D.R.E.A.M.S., which stands for Destinations, Restorations, Eco-sustainability, Agri-tourism, Medical Assistance, Security and Accessibility, aims to provide and improve tourism infrastructure in the Philippines. It creates a menu board of tourism infrastructure projects which will encourage more tourism activities in the area.
During the consultation, topics discussed were TIEZA Menu Board; Proposed Template for Site Development Project Proposal; and Proposed Tourism Sites for Prioritization. Concerns and suggestions were brought out and solutions were recommended.
The proposed priority tourism sites to be developed are Botanical Garden and La Union Agri-Tourism Center in San Fernando; Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan; Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel; La Union Honeybee Center in Bacnotan; Bakawan Eco-park in Bauang; Agricultural Complex in Naguilian; Kedlap Burial Cave in Bagulin; Bolikewkew Rice Terraces in Burgos; Baluarte Watchtower/Peblle Beach in Luna; Immuki Island in Balaoan; Amburayan River in Sudipen; Loomweaving Center in Bangar; Balay Anito Falls in Santol; Eco-Fun World in Agoo; Centennial Tunnel in Aringay; Diego Silang and Elpidio Quirino Monuments in Caba; Shrine of Nuestra Señora del Mar Cautiva in Santo Tomas; Dacanay Reforestation Park in Pugo; Rocapor Farm in Rosario; and Lang-ay Falls in Tubao.
Also present in the meeting were Provincial Engineer Ressie Estrella, Senior Environmental Management Specialist Shereal Catbagan, Supervising Planning Officer Glo Ann Miranda, and representatives from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
As a result of the meeting, the team were able to consolidate the existing materials tangible or intangible to execute plan for the chosen benefactor. The outputs of the consultation will be processed for prioritization of tourist sites from the five tourism circuits to execute the said project. This will then be included in the execution plan progress update. The group also identified additional accomplishments of offices which contribute to the strategic objectives apart from the activities included in the execution plan.
In view of this initiative and continuing projects of PGLU to help boost La Union’s tourism potential, this will contribute to the inclusive growth and sustainable development of La Union and further achieve the province’s vision of becoming the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.
