PGLU, DOT INK UNDERSTANDING ENSURING SAFETY IN GRADUAL OPENING OF LU TO TOURISTS
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Wendell B. Tangalin, PIO | Date: March 19, 2021
Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III representing the Provincial Government of La Union and Regional Director Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega representing Department of Tourism - Region 1 sign the Memorandum of Understanding for the Downloading of the Tara Na! Visitor Information and Travel Assistance System (Tara Na! VISITA)on March 19, 2021 at the Diego Silang Hall, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union. The system will be used to keep track of visitor’s activities in the province and ensure that CoViD-19 safety protocols are followed within the specified area.
The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and the Department of Tourism - Region 1 (DOT-RO1) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the downloading of the Tara Na! Visitor Information and Travel Assistance System (Tara Na! VISITA) on March 19, 2021 at the Diego Silang Hall, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union.
The MOU was signed by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III and Regional Director Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega. Officer-in-Charge of the La Union Provincial Tourism Office Arthur S. Cortez, Jr. and DOT Senior Tourism Operations Officer Edilberto D. Littaua, Jr. served as witnesses in the signing.
The Tara Na! VISITA is an online visitor registration system that shall be used to enhance border controls for tourists. This application compliments the NAPANAM system developed by the PGLU through the Information and Communication Technology Unit (ICTU) for the same purpose of monitoring the activities of tourists and visitors within the borders of a particular area. Once downloaded, it will further strengthen the implementation of policies and protocols to prevent the spread of CoViD-19 ensuring safety not only of local and foreign tourists visiting La Union but also workers of establishments in the province and residents in general.
Gov. Pacoy assured that the PGLU, DOT-RO1, along with Local Government Units and the rest of the tourism stakeholders in the province, remain resolute in the mission of building and reinforcing the image of the country as a home for high-spirited, resilient, and optimistic race that is Filipino.
"Through our strong partnership and collaboration, we shall keep our heads high as we are determined to set forth a promising direction for tourism and economic revitalization in our province, our region, and the country as a whole. Together, we shall move towards recovery with great optimism and fervor," said Gov. Pacoy .
Dir. Jeff Ortega, said that Tara Na! VISITA being turned-over to the PGLU is a great way to show the convergence of National Government Agencies and the Local Government Units. He further said that it will help tourists come in seamlessly while ensuring that health and safety protocols are observed.
The MOU Signing and the downloading of the Tara Na! VISITA system is another step in preparing for the province’ reopening to kick start and to slowly revive tourism in La Union.
