Senators greet new DOT chief Berna Puyat with praise
Updated 3:02 p.m.
Senators have nothing but praise for incoming-Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, saying she is an “excellent” choice for the post.
“She is an excellent choice. She has the academic and professional credentials,” Senator Grace Poe said in a text message to reporters on Wednesday.
“Romulo made it a point to promote the different provinces she visited, and showcase local food products; even the indigenous craftsmanship unique to an area,” Poe said of Romulo-Puyat, who is currently an undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture.
The senator said Romulo-Puyat had also proven herself to be a “competent and dedicated public official” serving several administrations in different capacities.
“I’m confident she will raise the bar for our tourism industry, and promote awareness for our country that is both exciting and positive,” she added.
Poe, a member of the powerful Commission on Appointment, also expressed confidence that the new appointee would get the Commission’s approval given her proven competence and dedication.
“She is definitely qualified,” she said.
Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and even opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan welcomed Romulo-Puyat’s appointment at the DOT’s helm.
“Excellent! I’ve known her since she was a young girl. Very intelligent and a very clean record in government. Not to mention the fact that she is the daughter of an exemplary public servant, Bert, my contemporary,” Sotto said in a separate text message, referring to former Senator and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo.
Pangilinan, meanwhile, took to social media to congratulate the incoming Tourism chief.
“Your experience in government will be of great help as you transition into this new assignment. I wish you success in truly leading the Department. Your success is the nation’s success,” he said.
Senator Sonny Angara believes Romulo-Puyat is a “good choice” for the post.
“She is very personable and articulate and is suited to the job of selling the Philippine brand. Am sure she can work to fast-track the tourism infrastructures badly needed too,” Angara said.
As chair of the Senate committee on tourism, Senator Nancy Binay said she looked forward to working with the new DOT chief “to push forward our tourism agenda, and bring her expertise in farm tourism and ecotourism being sustainable approaches to rural development.”
Romulo-Puyat was immediately named the next Tourism secretary Tuesday, a day after Wanda Tulfo-Teo tendered her resignation amid questions raised over the DOT’s P60-million advertisement deal with government-run PTV-4. /cbb/ac
READ: Bernadette Romulo-Puyat named new Tourism chief
