DOT sees intensified Eastern Visayas tourism promotion under Duterte administration

TACLOBAN CITY, Sept. 6 – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas is more optimistic of the present administration’s effort to promote the region as the country’s new destination.

“It has been observed that we have been receiving a lot of feedback. Even guests from nearby regions expressed awe that Eastern Visayas is so rich, the natural resources are so beautiful and attractions are wonderful,” said DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes.

“The region needs a little push from the national government which unfortunately was not given in the past.” The tourism department has proposed various infrastructure projects to enhance access of the region’s top destinations. 

The official emphasized the need to develop or expand existing non-operational airports in the region.

“In some areas here like Southern Leyte, their guests are mostly foreign. They come from long haul travel and coming in via Tacloban Airport, adds another four hours of travel going to Southern Leyte.

 A lot of time is being spent on travelling than doing the activity that they wanted to come for,” Tiopes observed.

“Having a small airport in Southern Leyte with just three flights a week would be good enough.”

Aside from access-related concerns, the DOT is also pushing for better tourism-related facilities such as provision of restrooms and recreational area.

“With the promise of the new administration to level the playing field and give opportunities to less developed regions to grow, then it is high time for Region 8 to be given attention in terms of promotions,” she added.

“There is too much to offer in our region. We already have tourist-ready areas or products in our region. It’s just that we were not given that break to be included in international or even in national promotions,” she added.

The region consists of the provinces of Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Samar and the cities of Baybay, Borongan, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Maasin, Ormoc, and Tacloban. Tacloban City is its regional center. 

According to itsmorefuninthephilippines.com website, the region remains relatively under-the-radar compared to other tourist destinations in the Philippines, but this is slowly changing.

“More and more people troop here in pursuit of rugged coasts and landscapes, secret caves and waterfalls, and fascinating histories — as well as the company of people content with the simple life, happy to enjoy the bounty of nature.” (PNA)

FPV/SQM /LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR