By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte—The largest resort in this town vows to lead
the way in ensuring clean and sustainable tourism.
“It’s a lesson learned to all
of us in the tourism industry. We need to create a new order for tourism. One
that is environment-friendly and sustainable in the years to come,” said
retired Philippine Air Force Col. Ricardo Nolasco, proprietor of a Pagudpud
resort.
To strengthen its eco-tourism
advocacy, the resort is on the forefront of organizing world-class beauty
pageants which primarily aims to develop men and women who make it to their
mission to help others change their habits for the good of the planet.
Referring to the temporary
closure of Boracay island as a sad event in the country’s tourism industry, Mr.
Nolasco said all other tourism stakeholders need to develop and strengthen it
without disregarding the environment.
“Generally, it is sad note for Philippine
tourism, baka isipin nila lahat ng
beaches dito sa atin ay ganon. It’s a lesson learned to all of us. I hope that within 6
months, it will be back to normal and the glory of Boracay will be restored,” he
added.
Since the closure of Boracay,
tourists have flocked to northern Luzon beaches including beaches here daily.
Travel tours, van rentals and other resorts and homestays here reported they
are all fully-booked this summer.
“Nagulat nga kami kasi we are receiving a thousand guests every day.
All the more that we should support the ideals of our president and advocate
for sustainable tourism,” he pointed out.
To strengthen the promotion
of sustainable eco-tourism, the seven-year old resort hosted 20 male and 20
female candidates on Saturday evening for the conduct of Mr. and Miss Hannah’s
World Tourism Philippines, rebranding its regular hosting of local pageants that
has now turned global.
“This is one of our ways to
promote an icon of beauty and purpose. By having a voice to create a new order
of a sustainable tourist destination in Pagudpud,” he said.
Undersecretary of Tourism
Advocacy and Public Affairs Katherine de Castro of the Department of Tourism,
Philippine fashion designer Renee Salud, Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray, master shoe man Jojo Bragais along with other regional and
local officials who served as part of the board of judges attended the
preliminary event which featured costume and swimwear competition.
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