MANILA, Philippines — The head of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) said they informed organizers of the World Street Food Congress (WSFC) that they will no longer proceed with the country’s hosting of the event last month.
On Wednesday, the WSFC posted a letter from the TPB dated Feb. 15, saying they are looking to formalize the commitment for the project.
In a statement, TPB chief operating officer Marie Venus Tan clarified that the “misleading note” was prematurely sent by her office pending review of the proposed project, and prior to the requisite board approval of the project.
“To rectify this, and in view of the lack of board approval for the proposal, I subsequently sent a letter dated 12 April 2019 informing WSFC that after due consideration, TPB can no longer proceed with the hosting of the WSFC 2019,” Tan said.
She added that another letter was again sent to WSFC dated April 30, reiterating the same decision.
“It is regrettable that this decision has caused inconvenience to the parties involved, however, I hope that this clarification will settle the issue,” the TPB official said.
On Tuesday, Makansutra (S) Pte Ltd., the organizers of the WSFC, took to social media its disappointment on the disapproval of the project, noting that the Department of Tourism (DOT) and TPB did not explain their reasons for cancelling the project.
“No reason nor rhyme was given and this was after six months of legwork the WSFC did in curating and accommodating the TPB and DOT ideals for the event,” the WSFC said on its Facebook page.