“The thing about tourism is that the reality of a place is quite different from the mythology of it.” –Martin Parr

The best way to promote the assets, facilities, and infrastructure of Iloilo is to listen to the Department of Tourism (DOT). The government department’s programs will help coax potential investors and pump lifeblood into the local economy. DOT can always be counted on to bring dynamism and fresh air, especially after DOT-Region VI director, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, and the Tourism Promotions Board launched the Iloilo City meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) campaign.
The event sought to position Iloilo as a MICE destination and gathered associations, corporations, travel managers, and event organizers to see what Iloilo has to offer. As quoted in a recent report, Catalbas explained: “The Iloilo City MICE Campaign will not be possible without the support from the Tourism Promotions Board, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), MICE Alliance members and other partners. The unity of tourism stakeholders in positioning Iloilo City as MICE destination is an overwhelming factor to promote inclusive growth. In sync with the promotion of Iloilo as MICE destination, DOT VI strongly encourages tourism enterprises to be DOT-Accredited MICE organizer or facility/venue to ensure quality services are being offered to clients and visitors.”

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Hopefully, Iloilo City lone district Rep. Julienne Baronda held a public consultation before reportedly filing House Bill 3074, or An Act Reapportioning the Lone Legislative District and the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Iloilo. Under the bill, which was co-authored by two other Iloilo lawmakers, fifth district Rep. Raul Tupas and second district Rep. Michael Gorriceta, the first legislative district will be composed of the Jaro, La Paz, and Mandurriao districts; while the second will include the City Proper, Molo, Arevalo, and Lapuz districts.
With any major legislation involving redistricting and the public welfare, a public hearing is necessary—all stakeholders must actively participate before a bill of such importance and magnitude is introduced in Congress.
With a public consultation, the people will have to hear the pros and cons. In addition, the opportunity to further study and strengthen the proposed legislation must be guaranteed.

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Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo./WDJ