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| Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (Photo by Joyce Ann Rocamora) |
MANILA -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) will hold the door open
for everyone to see how captivating Filipino culture is, DOT chief Bernadette
Romulo-Puyat said when asked of her plans at the agency.
"I love beaches, I love Boracay, I love Bohol, but there is more
to it than that," she mused, referring to other emerging destinations yet
to be explored.
The Tourism chief said aside from the country's popular beaches, she
would like to promote Philippine culture and tradition as well.
She shared that she attended last year a local festival in Ifugao
province, which she described as a "beautiful" experience.
"Last year, I was invited to the Punnuk Rice Festival and a rice
ritual in Ifugao, we drank rice wine, (observe) the rituals, and (shared
Ifugao's) heirloom rice... it is one of the beautiful experiences," she
said in a recent television interview.
Punnuk is a post-harvest ritual in Hungduan, Ifugao, home of the famed
rice terraces, performed by residents of Hapao, Baang, and Nungulunan.
Romulo-Puyat said letting foreigners and locals alike experience
similar unadulterated Filipino tradition, along with farm tours, serves as
another selling point to boost the country's tourism already prominent for its
pristine beaches.
Four years from now, the Tourism chief expects her vision on heritage
tourism to flourish. She also vowed that DOT will maximize the use of digital
media in promotions.
"Right now, I have to see the historical data first. (But) I will
be heavy on digital media," she added. (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora /PNA)
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