PGLU, DOT Open ‘I’m IN LUv’ and ‘Find The ONE In Region 1’ Travel Fair
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Jefferson Lorenzo, PIO | Date: November 18, 2021
To intensify tourism activity in the province and the entire region, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and the Department of Tourism – Region 1 (DOT-R1) collaborated for the Opening of the ‘I’m IN LUv’ and ‘Find The One in Region 1’ Travel Fair on November 18, 2021 at the Pentecostal Compound, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union.
The travel fair featured limited offers of tour packages and products of the provinces of La Union, llocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan, which are made especially affordable for the event.
DOT-R1 Director Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega led the opening of the travel fair. In his speech, Dir. Jeff said that it is imperative to rebuild the tourism sector in a way that is safe, equitable and climate-friendly.
In his recorded video message, Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III lauded the DOT-R1 for making the event a possibility as well as the tourism officers of the four provinces in Region 1 for championing the revitalization of the tourism industry. He also mentioned that the PGLU is open for further collaborations that will strengthen and build capacity for the people of La Union and the industry.
Similarly, Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc in his speech extended his gratitude to PGLU and DOT-R1 for launching the La Union leg of the ‘I’m IN LUv’ initiative. He further said that the travel fair is the start of the revival of the tourism industry to its former stance that shall lead to a more resilient industry. He also announced that come December 2021, the Province of Ilocos Norte shall accept fully vaccinated tourists from areas under Risk Level 1 to 3 and will no longer be required to undergo CoViD-19 tests.
San Juan, La Union Vice Mayor Manuel Victor “Mannix” R. Ortega on behalf of Mayor Arturo P. Valdriz, for his part, expressed his warm welcome to all the delegates and also pledged his support in promoting tourism not only in the Province of La Union but also in Region 1.
One of the highlights of the event is the Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding amongst PGLU, DOT-R1, Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, Inc. and San Miguel Corporation – Infrastructure for the MARIS TI AGLAWLaU Pride of Place Mural Painting Competition as well as the Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for the Use of Tara Na! VISITA (Visitor Information and Tourist Assistance) application as a tourist registration system in the whole region.
