MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday that he believes every region in the Philippines is beautiful— except for the cities, perhaps.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Pagudpud Tourist Rest Area in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, the President touted the country’s beaches and other nature sites.
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“Maganda talaga masyado ang Pilipinas, kahit saan ka talaga tumingin maganda. Siguro yung mga city lang medyo hindi kasing ganda (The Philippines is too beautiful. Everywhere you look is so beautiful. The cities maybe not as much.)
“Once you leave the city, you see the real Philippines. There is no place in the Philippines that’s not beautiful, so that is our investment. Let’s take full advantage of that,” Marcos said in a mix of English and Filipino.
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Marcos reiterated his goals of turning the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse, urging everyone to do their part.
“I enjoin everyone to ensure the success of our tourism initiatives. Make the experience of our travelers safe, convenient, and memorable,” said Marcos.