Sarangani doing "right thing" in tourism

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 1, 2008) – Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab has congratulated Sarangani local government and private partners for "doing the right thing" towards the province's global competitiveness.

At the business conference in Isla Parilla Resort Wednesday (July 30) where he gave a keynote address, Palabyab told success stories of tourism industries of other provinces in the country and in Southeast Asia.

"The only way to do that is the way like you do today," Palabyab told participants. "We must not stop."

The business conference is in celebration of the annual event here dubbed United towards Strong, Wealthy And Globally Competitive (USWAG) Sarangani every month of July.

Fish and aquaculture, fruit and tourism industries were launched during the conference.

At the same time, Palabyab swore into office the Sarangani Tourism Industry Association, Incorporated (SARTIA) officers headed by Michelle Solon during the conference.

"You cannot look like Los Angeles. You are Sarangani and your assets are culture and adventure. I believe you have already identified your market," Palabyab noted.

Palabyab said there are more than 60 million tourists in Southeast Asia which surpasses Americans and European tourists coming here.

"Most of them are adventure tourists at kayo ang may produkto para sa kanila," the undersecretary said.

Sarangani tourism office reports show a 77% rise in tourist arrivals to the province in 2006 (270,000) and 2007 (350,000).

SARTIA chair Solon promoted at the business conference adventure potentials like the water tubing in Maitum, snorkeling at Tuka Marine Sanctuary in Kiamba, and a world-class Lemlunay Diving Resort in Maasim.

On culture, Solon said the Lamlifew Blaan village in Malungon town has been recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

"Our vision is to put Sarangani in the map," Solon said.

"We will improve our data banking, institutional and product development while being environmentally friendly."

"If we have more industries, then we will no longer be one of the poorest provinces," Solon added. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)