Davide forms branding group to promote Cebu province

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Government will soon have its own brand that will help the province achieve its development objectives, including tourism.

Governor Hilario Davide III said this will help promote Cebu Tourism, and he thinks that branding is somehow the trend nowadays.

"We have to distinguish it from other provinces, cities. It's the 'in thing' karon. We also want to make known to the public, not just for the Cebuanos, but for the Filipinos, ang services that we have as a province," Davide told reporters.

To realize this, Davide passed Executive Order (EO) No. 14, which orders the creation of a branding committee for the provincial government.

“The Provincial Government believes it is essential that the value and quality of the services it provides to the general public are effectively communicated and known thereby establishing a reputation for the Province of Cebu and distinguishing itself from other provinces and cities in the country," the EO reads.

The governor has convened at least nine persons to compose the branding committee, which Cebu Provincial Administrator Mark C. Tolentino will be leading.

The members include Bonifer B. Nacorda of the Human Resource Management Office; Tourism Officer Joselito "Boboi" R. Costas; Jone Seigfred L. Sepe of the Provincial General Services Office; Katherine C.  dela Calzada of Internal Audit; Public Information Officer Jasonjes S. Monteclar, and Roy C. Soledad, CIPO.

Jobella A. Davide and Rodrigo C. Lachica Jr. will serve as the committee’s consultants.

The branding committee will create an official brand of the Cebu Province, to formulate brand strategy, its standards and policy.

"(It shall) monitor compliance of branding standards and policy; perform such other functions as are necessary to carry into effect the intent of this Executive Order," reads Davide's EO, which was effective July 18.

Davide said he got the idea of having a branding committee in his previous trips in some Asian countries.

"I have an opportunity to visit places sa Asia, mao pud ang ilahang (gibuhat)," Davide said, referring to the branding.

Now that most of the towns under Cebu already has their brand, Davide said it depends on the branding committee on how to apply or cascade it to other towns and cities.

"Depende na na sa committee," Davide added. —/GAN (FREEMAN)