With the Department of Tourism-Region VI (DOT-6) recently formulating their programs, projects, and activities for 2019, DOT-6 director, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, emphasized a focus on inclusivity.

“Programs that promote inclusive growth and activities that assist in providing investments and livelihood should be the focus of the [programs, projects, and activities] for 2019,” she explained. “We will highlight programs that advocate gender and development, youth, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.”

She called on local tourism officers to coordinate with their respective tourism development area managers to work towards agency goals.

“We create the demand while [local government units] must develop tourism products and services to meet the growing demands,” Catalbas said.

Among other items on the DOT-6 agenda include an accreditation campaign, crafting provincial tourism development plans, conducting trainings, developing emerging tourism products, and enhancing existing tourism products./WDJ