MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Agriculture undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat as the new Tourism secretary.
Romulo-Puyat replaced Wanda Tulfo-Teo, who resigned from her post over the controversial tourism ad contract with PTV-4.
Senators believe the new Department of Tourism (DOT) chief is an “excellent choice” choice for the job.
“She has the academic and professional credentials. DA Usec. Romulo made it a point to promote the different provinces she visited, and showcase local food products; even the indigenous craftmanship unique to an area,” said Sen. Grace Poe.
Poe added that the official is a “competent” and “dedicated” public official.
“I’m confident she will raise the bar for our tourism industry, and promote an awareness for our country that is both exciting and positive,” she said.
Sen. Vicente Sotto III said he has known Romulo-Puyat as a “very intelligent” individual with “very clean record in government.”
“Not to mention the fact that she is the daughter of an exemplary public servant, Bert, my contemporary,” Sotto said, referring to former Department of Foreign Affairs secretary Alberto Romulo.
Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV said Romulo-Puyat has “integrity” to lead the DOT.
“Magandang ma-confirm siya agad sa Commission on Appointments (CA) para matutukan na niya ang mga hamon sa DOT, tulad ng Boracay closure at rehabilitation,” Aquino added.
Sen. Nancy Binay also welcomed Romulo-Puyat’s appointment to the tourism department.
“I look forward to working with her to push forward our tourism agenda, and bring her expertise in farm tourism and ecotourism being sustainable approaches to rural development,” said Binay, the chairwoman of the Senate tourism committee.
Senators Poe, Sotto and Juan Edgardo Angara were confident that Romulo-Puyat would get the CA nod.
“She has proven her competence and dedication. She is definitely qualified,” Poe said.
Angara, for his part, added, “Yes. She is known to the senators and congressmen.”/PN
