Amid rumor she will hold the said post
TACLOBAN CITY – Actress and television host Karla Estrada hinted at the possibility of stepping into a government role, saying she is ready to help lead the tourism industry in Eastern Visayas if given the opportunity.
In a media interview on Sunday night, May 4, Estrada, who hails from Tacloban City, was asked about rumors that she may be considered as the next regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas.
While she did not confirm the speculation, Estrada expressed her willingness to serve.
“While I am not confirming it, I am actually ready. I would really love to help promote the tourism of our region, Eastern Visayas,” Estrada said. “I feel I am in a position to help. We have many tourist attractions that are either not well-promoted or not fully developed.”
The position may soon become vacant as current DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes is expected to retire later this year. Tiopes has been widely credited for her long-standing efforts in positioning Eastern Visayas as a rising tourism destination in the country.
Estrada, who earned a degree in Office Administration from Philippine Christian University in 2023 under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), said her background in entertainment could serve as a unique asset.
“I think I can really be of help in promoting our tourism industry,” she added, noting that her public influence could be used to raise awareness and interest in the region’s cultural and natural attractions.
ETEEAP is a government-recognized alternative education program that allows working professionals to obtain a college degree based on their work experience, knowledge, and skills.
Currently, Estrada serves as the director for community engagement of the Tingog party-list, founded by Leyte 1st District Representative and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
She was the party-list’s third nominee during the 2022 elections. Tingog now holds two seats in the House, represented by Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre.
Estrada is also the mother of popular actor Daniel Padilla and has remained active in both show business and community initiatives.
“I’m proud to be Waray. And I’ll always be ready to serve our region in any way I can,” she said.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
