In the shadows of ancient Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila, a calesa ((horse-drawn cart) carry tourists. AFP
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) commended Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s initiatives to promote tourism in the nation’s capital.
Since Manila is the primary gateway to other key destinations in the country, DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the agency shares the same “enthusiasm” as Moreno in giving a good impression to visitors.
“Manila is the crucible of Philippine history and culture and the primary gateway to the country’s 7,641 island destinations,” Puyat said in a statement on Wednesday.
“And we at the DOT share the vision and enthusiasm of Mayor Moreno in providing our international visitors a great first impression of the Philippines as soon as they set foot in Manila,” she added.
Moreno announced over the weekend he will develop a “tourism circuit” that would link heritage sites in the city of Manila.
Puyat said she has directed the DOT National Capital Region (NCR), attached agencies Intramuros Administration (IA), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zones Authority (TIEZA), and the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) to work closely with the Manila City Hall.
“A strong and active partnership with the local government units (LGUs) can only help advance the government’s sustainable tourism development that aims to preserve and protect not only the country’s many natural tourist attractions but also its rich cultural heritage and historical sites,” Puyat said. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)
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