Unknown to many millennials, Rafael "Raffy" Alunan III is no newbie to government service. Raffy Alunan served the Cory administration as tourism secretary, and the Ramos administration, as interior chief.
- Tourism commences from the time a foreigner boards a plane to his destination - Philippines until he embarks on a plane going home. Therefore it does not only involve hotels, sights, adventures but also the long lines, too many forms to fill out, the delayed flights and the bad service these foreigners encounter at the MIAA/NAIA.
- There should be a better service at our airports to encourage tourists from coming back. Better service would mean choosing the best managers/administrators for our airports including personnel and staff.
- We need to encourage agri-tourism[1]. There is a total of 32 agri-tourism sites, including 27 protected areas consisting of strawberry and organic vegetable farms in Benguet, as well as pineapple and coffee plantations in Bukidnon.
- A well-developed agri-tourism can even ensure food security.
- In the past there was a task force that is supposed to craft a new type of visa for medical tourism—DOH and DOT/BI were involved. It fizzled out. This move was identified as one that will help boost medical tourism in the country. A study should be made of this sector and why remained at a stand still.
"I love my country. I love the Filipino people and I am here to serve them." Alunan said.
[1] Sen Cynthia Villar filed a bill providing incentives to farmers and encourages the development of agri business.
Senatorial Candidate Rafael ALUNAN shares his thoughts on developing Philippine Tourism
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
People
