DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco received the executives of the National Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas at the DOT Central Office in Makati City on Wednesday (May 14) to discuss a potential collaboration aimed at designing and implementing an interactive Philippine Map at the organization’s website to empower local villages through tourism.
According to Maria Katrina Jessica Dy, National President of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, one of the plan’s main objectives is to elevate the value of barangays by specifically highlighting tourist destinations and attractions at the village level to boost tourism and economic development at the grassroots, among other things.
Secretary Frasco warmly welcomed the visit, emphasizing the DOT’s mandate which not only focuses on promotions alone, but also prioritizes equalization of tourism development across the regions.
“The importance of barangays cannot be overemphasized. This is something that I have personally come to appreciate, having been a mayor. You are absolutely right that there are many assets in the barangays that are yet to be discovered. Our goal in the Department of Tourism goes beyond promotion of what the world already knows,” Secretary Frasco said.
While offering her suggestions for the initiative, Secretary Frasco also provided an overview of the existing Travel Philippines application of the DOT and its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, which provides up-to-date information on Philippine travel destinations and assists tourists as they plan their trips.
The enhanced version of the app now has a Japanese translation, ratings and reviews, profile management, geo-targeting or what’s near me feature, travel updates, search tab for travel-related queries, DOT-accredited tour guides, media center, list of partners, and LGU directory, as well as deals and promos for travelers.
Meanwhile, other officials present during the meeting are National Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas Deputy Executive Director Danielle Nuesa, Creatives Head Alex Gallegos, Social Media Specialist Kyla Galvez, Executive Assistant Kelissa Rae Mauricio, and DOT officials Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin, and Director Roberto Alabado III.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Department of Tourism Facebook Page.
