‘Let us take that momentum back’

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday rallied tourism stakeholders to take the momentum back as there are vast opportunities for tourism in the province.

Lacson and Department of Tourism regional director Christine Mansinares led the opening of the LakBAYANihan Tourism Fair that kicked off at the Ayala Malls Monday.

He said that it is common knowledge that the tourism sector was gravely altered and affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The pandemic, although totally upsetting and unwelcome, nonetheless presented an opportunity for us to build our capacities and innovate, he further said.

“We all waited for the day when we can enjoy the different facets of tourism once again. And now, here we are, opening our province to travelers and tourism, though carefully and cautiously. As we kick off the LakBAYANihan Tourism Fair, we reclaim not just our potential, but all the possibilities that go with it,” he pointed out.

Lacson said LakBAYANihan is the first tourism fair since the pandemic began and was widely participated by almost all local government units, including Bacolod City.

“This is a demonstration and affirmation of our resilience. And as such, we shall continue to persevere and will not allow the prospects of our province and our people be dimmed by the crisis,” he added.

Lacson also said that fairs are good opportunities to showcase not just the produce and tourism offerings, but also talent in innovation.

“Imagination, mastery of your goods, and most of all, courage are the keys to innovation. Despite the setbacks of the pandemic, we are still in the era of globalization,” he pointed out.

He added that technology has given great windows of opportunity “to show our potential to the world. It is just there for the taking.”

He also said that Negros Occidental is one of the most gifted provinces in terms of natural and human resources.

“We have a vast potential for tourism, food tourism, farm tourism, and even sports tourism.  Before the COVID crisis, our tourism industry was advancing and was steadily gaining ground.”