COFFEE Talk is back in the spotlight, stirring up conversations across the region after a brief hiatus. Recently, a doctor, aware of my role as a board member of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) for the M.I.C.E. Sector in the Visayas, invited me for a round of smoothies and iced lattes. Our discussion focused on the evolving tourism landscape in the Visayas.
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During our gathering, I greeted his companions — a banker, a hotelier, and a businessman. The hotelier pondered the new Negros Island Region (NIR) creation, speculating whether it would enhance tourism in the Visayas.
“We’ll have to wait and see the results” he noted.
The doctor chimed in, “Iloilo is seemingly leading the way, hosting numerous conventions and business conferences. I’m not sure what gives Iloilo this edge in the region,” he mused, then added, “But I believe it’s due to the concerted efforts of the LGU (local government unit) and the private sector.”
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The banker highlighted the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) growing support in the region, which benefits Iloilo and Panay. He suggested, “DOT should also assist Negros, which is part of Western Visayas, right?”
The businessman added, “Perhaps the perceived lack of tourism support for Negros Occidental prompted the creation of the NIR — who knows?”
The hotelier countered, “To be fair, the DOT supports Negros too. However, the tourism office should extend their budget to smaller events across various sectors in towns and cities capable of hosting them.”
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The businessman then shared a recent update from Bacolod City, “I heard Bacolod is now branding itself not just as the ‘City of Smiles’ but as ‘Super City’. I’m not sure what this new branding entails, but the city must prioritize improving road traffic and maintaining cleanliness, much like Iloilo City.”
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Regarding local festivals, the hotelier expressed pride in Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival and Bacolod’s MassKara Fest. “It’s noteworthy that a Dinagyang tribe recently won an award at the Aliwan by DOT in the National Capital Region. Dinagyang is, without doubt, the best festival in the country,” he said.
He continued, “And let’s not forget the Bailes de Luces dancers from La Castellana in Negros Occidental, who were crowned world champions in a dance competition in America. Tourism is indeed a lucrative industry, and continuous improvement and upgrading of facilities are essential. The proactive efforts of local leaders can significantly bolster the travel and tourism sectors of their communities,” added the doctor.
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Turning to local leadership, the banker mentioned, “Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas is known for his effective political will. Bacolod City’s Mayor Albee Benitez is striving to fulfill the ambitious goal of becoming a ‘Super City’. Meanwhile, Dumaguete City emerges as a formidable contender within the new Negros Island Region, with Mayor Atty. Felipe ‘Ipe’ Remollo, a former president of the Clark Development Corporation during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s tenure and reportedly a law school classmate of the First Lady, revitalizing the famous Boulevard to enhance its appeal to residents and tourists alike.”
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The businessman concluded, “Now, we wait and see how the political vision of merging Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor into one region unfolds. A major concern remains the five to six-hour land travel time between the two Negros provinces, an issue often overlooked by politicians focused solely on the bigger picture.”
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As we wrapped up our coffee session, the thoughts shared among friends reflected a mix of anticipation and skepticism, mirroring the complex interplay of local initiatives and national policies in shaping the future of tourism in the Visayas./PN
