By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Department of Tourism-Region VI (DOT-6) director, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, yesterday welcomed the appointment of Bernadette Romulo-Puyat as Department of Tourism secretary, following the resignation of former DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo earlier this week.

Catalbas said she is looking forward to working with the new cabinet official.

“We’re actually excited to meet her,” she said. “The regional office can make adjustments based on her plans.”

Catalbas added she does not expect many changes under the new official.

In terms of the Boracay rehabilitation, she expects Romulo-Puyat to continue with the ongoing activity.

According to Tulfo-Teo’s legal representation, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, “Her decision to leave her position was made after a long and deliberate reflection and soul-searching with respect to the events that have transpired the past few weeks.”

The former secretary had been under fire after DOT advertisements worth P60 million aired during PTV program “Kilos Pronto,” which is produced and hosted by Tulfo-Teo’s brothers Ben and Erwin Tulfo./JSG,  WDJ