TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the Bisita Be My Guest (BBMG) program in Eastern Visayas with Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina Frasco leading the ceremony held here in the city.

The Tacloban event marks the fifth regional launching of the BBMG, considered a flagship program of the DOT, following a successful launching in Soccsksrgen Region 12) and in Zamboanga Peninsula last May and in Western Visayas last June.

The BBMG was also launched in Metro Manila in December of last year and in international locations such as Tokyo, Japan; Berlin, Germany; and in the United States of America this year.

Local chief executives from provinces, cities, and municipalities, district and party-list representatives from the region, and tourism stakeholders from the region attended the launching of the BBMG.

Frasco, in her message, proudly highlighted the program, stating that it represents a significant step forward in showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Philippines, with a special focus on Eastern Visayas this time around being the home of most mega biodiversity, as well as wealth in history, heritage, gastronomic delights, and events that help shape the history of the country.

“Nakita natin na there is a massive potential for further development here and that is why brought the BBMG program in hopes that we can bring attention to this region as it offers a wealth of history especially that Limasawa being here, and of course, the Homonhon and home to natures escapes na hindi mo makikita anywhere else in the Philippines,” she said.

Based on the DOT regional office, Eastern Visayas recorded a total of 1,075,294 overnight tourist arrivals, higher than the 723,251 record in 2021 but still a little short of the 1,739,091 record of 2019 or pre-pandemic.

The BBMG is an incentivized promotional campaign program of the DOT to encourage the active participation of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Overseas Filipinos (OFs) to promote the Philippines.

In the 2022 data from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Eastern Visayas has recorded 550,572 (OFWs).

Of this number, 321,068 OFWs are from Leyte; 80,168 from Southern Leyte; 56,164 from Eastern Samar; 46,552 from Samar; 37,300 from Northern Samar; and 9,320 from Biliran province.

Under the program, OFWs and OFs who invite foreign tourists to visit the country are entitled to a raffle ticket and have a chance to win special prizes.

Additionally, registered participants shall have the opportunity to avail discounts, special rates, incentives from the DOT-accredited enterprises, and packages during the campaign period using the BBMG travel passport and BBMG privilege card.

Sponsors, invitees, and tourists may avail of the card in identified vacation destinations and main gateways in the Philippines.

Sec. Frasco also announced that the agency thru its infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure Economic Zone Authority, has already allocated funding for the construction of two tourist rest areas (TRAs) in Tacloban City and in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

Each TRA will cost P10 million and features a pasalubong shop, restroom, and a shower area that are free to use.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ALBUERA,Leyte – In a collective effort to ensure cleaner waterways for the marine ecosystem and coastal communities, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) employees participate in the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) at Brgy. Poblacion, Albuera, Leyte. They gathered along the shoreline and collected up to 15 sacks of trash and debris that had washed ashore.

Officer-In-Charge District Engineer (OIC-DE) Rosita A. Tinawin stressed the importance of the activity stating, “This annual event not only promotes a global sense of environmental responsibility but also reduces the devastating impact of plastic pollution on our waterways.”

“It’s a powerful reminder that every small action counts, and together, we can combat one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time,” added OIC-ADE Peter Scheler V. Soco.

The ICC is an initiative of Ocean Conservancy, in partnership with volunteer organizations around the world, to bring awareness about the environmental issues associated with coastal pollution and promoting proper waste disposal. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – A tourism loop in Samar province was unveiled by a travel and tour agency from Basey town.

The tourism loop features some of the best attractions and sites that the municipality can offer to tourists and guests who will avail of the packages they prepared.

The Travelink Travel and Tours, a newly established travel agency, offers three sites and attractions in the Basey.

These are the Miss Universe Philippines package or Loop 1 which features areas that were visited by the MUPh 2023 candidates when they visited the municipality in May this year.
This package includes a tour in Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge Park, Saob Cave where women villagers weave the famous “banig”, Bungang Sakit Well, Busacada Church, and the century-old St. Michael Church, souvenir shops, and the iconic San Juanico Bridge.

In Loop 2, the tour package offers a visit to the Golden River cruise, Bungan Sakit Well, Balantak Falls, Busacada Church, and the century-old St Michael Church, and San Juanico Bridge.

For the Loop 3, it offers the Pacific Island package which includes a tour to the Mahaba islet or sandbar, Marabut Rock Formations, Busacada Church, the St. Michael Church, and San Juanico Bridge.

Loop 1 and 2 cost P1,985 and P2,100 respectively for a minimum of 10 persons. The price for the third loop is still being finalized by the agency.

The payment is inclusive of food, transportation, entrance, environmental fee, guide, and travel insurance.

Owner Darlene Wong said that all packages are designed for a one-day tour and all guests will be treated with a VIP treatment.

Wong added that this is only an initial offering of their company as they are also planning to develop an additional loop focusing on and highlighting tourist destinations and sites in other provinces.

Those who want to avail the packages they offer may visit and contact them at their Facebook account at Travelink Travel and Tour.
(ROEL T.AMAZONA)