The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently partnered with the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro in an effort to help the local government units (LGUs) craft their individual tourism master plans. The partnership is part of the DOT’s thrust for the development of new tourist destinations, geographic markets, segments, niches, and routes pursuant to the country’s National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).
Oriental Mindoro is one of the country’s emerging eco-tourism destinations. It is an island province in the Southern Tagalog region – together with the provinces of Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan – known as the Mimaropa Region southwest of Manila.
Envisioned as a “Green Paradise” by its local government, Oriental Mindoro is a tropical paradise with rich marine biodiversity, and an array of natural bounties, from powdery white sand beaches, to crystal clear water, lush green forests, towering mountains, and impressive waterfalls. Mountain climbing, trekking, camping, caving, bird-watching, island hopping and exploration, adventure trips, windsurfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling are some of the exciting recreational activities possible in the island province.
The DOT said that eco-tourism has always been one of the country’s strongest competitive advantages relative to other destinations in Asia, and emphasized that they have already created the demand with the Philippines now enjoying extensive international media mileage.
The Manila Bulletin, led by its Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Emilio T. Yap, President and Publisher Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cris J. Icban Jr., Business Editor Loreto D. Cabañes, Directors, Officers, and Employees congratulate the Department of Tourism headed by Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. and Region IV Director Rebecca Villanueva-Labit in helping the local government units’ capacity-building initiatives for a stronger tourism industry of our Filipino people of our Republic of the Philippines. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!