DOT boosts Cordi fests after 'Ompong'

By Pamela Mariz Geminiano

BAGUIO CITY--The Department of Tourism Cordillera is hastening creative festivals to bring back tourism in the region after information of destruction was publicized following typhoon "Ompong’s" aftermath.

DOT-CAR regional director Marie Venus Tan said last week the region’s tourism industry is suffering from the damages wrought by typhoon "Ompong" in many areas in the region, including tourist destinations.

She said they are accelerating the preparation for the Baguio Arts and Creative Festival in November, which she said will be a saving factor in bringing changes in the city and contributing to sustainable growth.

Tan reiterated that the festival marks the beginning of a creative economy.

"The big event that we are planning will create a good image for the city, the beginning of grassroots empowerment," she said.

In November 2017, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) included Baguio as one of the 64 cities from 44 countries in the list of “Creative Cities”.

She said it was three years ago when they launched the Revitalize Bloom (Rev-Bloom) program.

Tan explained that 'REV 'stands for Rev-Up, Revive, Revisit and Revitalize which aims to address the apparent declining tourism competitiveness of Baguio.

"This has been the anchor of sustainable and responsible tourism. It is not just a marketing and promotions campaign but this is a call to action so that the Cordillera can preserve its identity," she said.

Tan reiterated that the tourism industry provides a drive for economic progress, an industry where people should build, a call for resiliency.

DOT receives donation for “Ompong” victims

Tan also revealed that the DOT has in its custody donations for selected areas and victims of typhoon “Ompong”.

"We mounted a campaign for donations for the victims of Ompong, and we are happy that help continues to pour," she said.

The chief also cautioned tourists planning to visit mountain destination such as the Mount Pulag, while safety assessment has not yet been completed.

"This is for their own safety. We are asking the people who wants to visit it not to pursue with their plans until such time we are given a clearance that the mountain is safe to scale," she said. -- PNA