DOT-7's Montecillo saddened by Negros Or. transfer to NIR

CEBU, Philippines – Department of Tourism-7 Regional Director Rowena Montecillo recently said she is one of the saddest persons because she will be losing Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental province from Central Visayas to the Negros Island Region, or Region 18.

Montecillo, who was the guest of the media exchange program among delegates from Yeong Dong-Gun in South Korea, Alameda City in California and Dumaguete City, issued this statement.

She said it is really sad for a "mother to lose a child who is performing very well," like Dumaguete City, in terms of implementing programs and projects in tourism.

Montecillo lauded the support of Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria, whom she considered as one of the most proactive and most tourism-oriented mayors, and that she always feels good when she comes to the city and Negros Oriental, which is ranked 2nd in tourism, all over Region 7.

"I will be missing Dumaguete and Negros Oriental but I'm sure, the local officials and the private sector will be choosing very soon their own regional director of the Department of Tourism. Of course, you will now be part of the NIR, and that will make four of us (directors) working for the good of the Visayas," Montecillo said.

Montecillo arrived in Dumaguete from Manila for discussions regarding the national tourism development plan, from 2016 to 2022, for the next president.

The tourism official also expressed her happiness that Dumaguete got into the right track by entering into a sisterhood agreement with Yeong Dong-Gun and Alameda because these cities have been in the Top 5 of tourist arrivals in the local market.

Montecillo further encouraged other LGUs in Central Visayas to follow the footsteps of Dumaguete in such partnerships that have been very beneficial to the tourism industry. "It will not only increase the number of tourist arrivals but for investments as well," she added.— Juancho R. Gallarde (FREEMAN)