DOT partners with politicians’ wives for tourism projects

By W.Hortizuela 

BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Tourism –Cordillera found an ally in its tourism development projects in the Inspirational Women of Cordilleras (IWOC), a group of spouses of elected local officials in the region.

DOT-CAR regional director Venus Tan said they thought of tapping the wives of elected officials in their REV – BLOOM program    because these women have strong personalities and are influential but they keep a low profile.

                The national government is anchoring its programs on gender and development particularly encouraging women empowerment. 

Tan said the DOT believes having empowered women like these wives of local officials to look up to will provide more inspiration to the people.  

                REV – BLOOM program aims to rehabilitate and redevelop the tourism image of Baguio City and other destinations in Cordillera.

One popular project is the STOBOSA Hillside Homes Artwork at Km. 3, La Trinidad, Benguet.

DOT already hosted a forum for the IWOC Jan. 31 and is involving some of the in its tourism advocacies.

              Last Feb. 25, DOT Undersecretary for tourism regulation, coordination and resource generation Alma Rita Jimenez   administered oath of office of IWOC officers at the Baguio Country Club.

The IWOC  officers are Soledad Go, wife of  Baguio City Rep. Mark Go’s as  president; Jane   Pacalso, wife of Benguet Gov. Crescencio Pacalso , vice president; Joana  Rivera,  wife of Tuba Benguet Mayor Ignacio Rivera, secretary and Ana Lua Tubban,  wife of Tabuk City, Kalinga Mayor Ferdinand Tubban as treasurer.

               Jimenez said by working together they can provide more livelihood opportunities and women empowerment in the region.