This column is on its maiden edition. It is about conversations, suggestions, updates and what-have-you on the subject of tourism and other matters in the Western Visayas region, Philippines and world. It is intended to be a market place of ideas leading to positive actions and reactions that will, hopefully, build communities.
VERY RECENTLY this writer was privileged to once again be in a conversation with the Governor of the Province of Capiz, Hon. Fredenil H. “Oto” Castro, who to us, never runs out of brilliant ideas on how to make tourism the flagship industry of Capiz side by side with fisheries and agriculture, each one in mutual support with the other two and at the same time a beneficiary of both.
One such brilliant idea from Gov. Castro is Balik Capiz that is designed to gather Capiznons now residing in other parts of the Philippines and the world to do Balik Capiz (Come Home to Capiz/Come Back to Capiz) as the provincial government is preparing a program for them, one fitting for come backing sons/daughters and second and third generation Capiznons.
We say Balik Capiz is lot of hard work, funding and clear direction but with the zest for excellence and extraordinary positive outcomes, the plan, earmarked for 2024, to our mind, is certain to happen with Gov. Castro hands on, on top of all preparations.
In the meantime, let’s watch out for Capiztahan 2023 and Capiz Investment Forum this coming April and Capiz hosting of the celebration of the National Heritage Month in May during which Balik Capiz will be launched in fitting ceremonies.
Capiz’s virile economic potentials are capsulized in two important statements, namely, Vision, “ A leading province in agri-fishery industry which integrates enough infrastructure support, excellent health care and balance ecology through effective and efficient governance where well-informed, God-loving, and empowered Capisnons, who value cultural heritage, thrive on shared economic gains” and Mission, “ The Province of Capiz is committed to attain a robust economy in a resilient community through participatory governance, harnessing creativity, technology-driven industries, and responsible utilization and management of resources for a better quality of life.”
The top five products in the Capiz tourism portfolio being promoted and are ready for sale include Nature-based tourism (Sun, Sand and Sea), Sports and Adventure Tourism, Agri-Fishery Tourism, Cultural/Heritage Tourism (Culinary, Festivals, Pilgrimage, Indigenous) and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions/Conferences, and Exhibitions) Tourism.
With Gov. Castro at the helm of Capiz provincial government supported by a strong united Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and department heads with Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Alfonsus Tesoro manning the tourism sector, we have no doubt whatsoever that Capiz tourism come2025 will be stronger than its pre-pandemic days status.
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We wish other destinations in the Western Visayas region will join us in these conversations in the near future after which we will do the same for others in the Philippines and the world.
Welcome aboard!!!
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(The author is retired employee of Phil Dept of Tourism in Western Visayas Region (PDOT-WV) where she was designated in various capacities in more than four decades of government service. She retired as Regional Director of PDOT-WV in 2021. During her tour of duty, she was instrumental in product and market development for the region. Among the milestones of her term of office were connecting the region’s airports and seaports with domestic and international tourism source markets, vital ground level role in the rehabilitation of Boracay Island, evacuation of thousands of stranded domestic and foreign tourists and cooperating with other government agencies in providing aid to displaced tourism workers in Western Visayas in the early stages of COVID-19 pandemic.)/PN
