Take advantage of infra in development of tourism in
Central Luzon - Gordon

Senator Richard J. Gordon (Ind.) called on local government officials in Central Luzon to make use of the available infrastructures - airports, seaports and expressway - in the area to further the tourism industry in the region.

Gordon, speaking at the opening of the Central Luzon exhibit at the WOW Philippines in Intramuros, Manila, said the region should make use of the three airports, two seaports and one expressway, aside from its proximity to Metro Manila, to develop its tourism industry.

"Developing the tourism industry in Central Luzon is easy because it is close to Manila. Ang Central Luzon kumpleto. Malapit sa domestic tourism, malapit sa foreign tourism," he said.

"There are three airports, two seaports and one expressway that could be used to our advantage in terms of tourism," he added.

Tourists going to and from the region can use the Subic International Airport in the Subic Freeport Zone, the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, Pampanga and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila.

They can also use the seaports in Subic and Manila, as well as the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), in traveling to Central Luzon.

WOW Philippines in Intramuros, started by Gordon in 2003 when he was then tourism secretary, showcases the best of arts and crafts, festivals, musical performances, culinary delights, among others, from the 16 regions of the country.

Central Luzon or Region III will be featured from June 17 to July 5. It is composed of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales and two highly urbanized cities of Angeles City and Olongapo City.

Gordon, principal author of the Tourism Act of 2009 that was signed into law last month, encouraged local leaders to promote tourism in their areas and take advantage of the law which aims to spur the development of the country's tourism industry.

"We have to take advantage of exhibits like this to promote our region. We have a lot to offer. Marami tayong beaches, churches, caves, historical sites, environmental tourist attractions at mayaman ang ating kultura.. We just have to promote, promote and promote," he said.