The Department of Tourism Region VI in partnership with the Province of Guimaras, assures the public that more projects and activities are set under the OpIan #LoveGuimaras Assistance Package (OLAP) for 2020 to strengthen the island’s tourism industry.
DOT Region VI Director Atty. Helen J. Catalbas said that the tourism industry of the Province of Guimaras has been greatly affected by the sea tragedy that transpired along Iloilo Strait on August 3, 2019 that claimed 31 lives.
“DOT Region VI had a series of meeting with the Guimaras Provincial Tourism Office to discuss plans and programs to address concerns and to align 2020 projects and activities for Guimaras tourism. We also had the soft launch of Oplan #LoveGuimaras Assistance Package (OLAP) on October 31, 2019 and more activities are scheduled this 2020,” Director Catalbas said.
DOT VI plans to conduct the grand launch of OLAP this March which will kick-off with a series of activities leading to Manggahan Festival in May. Last year, DOT VI turned over 415 umbrellas to boat associations of Jordan and Buenavista for passengers traversing Iloilo-Guimaras vice versa, after the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) set new guidelines on the boat canvass (tolda).
“Part of OLAP activities was a tour to farm sites participated in by DOT VI employees to encourage tourists to visit the island. I believe this is the best time to upgrade and improve the quality of services and facilities in Guimaras. It is also the best time to show the cooperation of each sector, public and private in helping one another rise from this unfortunate incident. Let’s make this as a platform to offer more and give a better experience to our tourists. Let’s give them reasons why Guimaras is the place to be”, Director Catalbas concluded.
DOT Region VI provided trainings for Guimaras tourism frontliners after the tragedy. These trainings include Checking Our Attitude during Typhoon Season (COATS) in August and Tourism Planning ad Marketing Workshop in September. DOY VI also conducted two trainings of Filipino Brand of Service and training on How to Handle Persons with Disability in October and Farn Tourism Site Guiding Training in November. (DOT VI)
