The Tourism Summit participants at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City on Friday, September 16.*Ronnie Baldonado photo
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson stressed that the tourism sector has the capacity to drive the province’s economic recovery, provide opportunities and employment, and affect environment and environmental saving efforts.
The governor, in his message at a Tourism Summit to kick off the Negros Occidental 22nd Tourism Week Celebration at Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City on Friday, September 16, pointed out that “if there is anything the (COVID-19) pandemic re-affirmed, it is the fact that tourism is a core pillar of growth and opportunity”.
He said more than two years into the pandemic, Negros Occidental is now opening up to travelers and tourism.
But Lacson said “while the decrease of our COVID cases shows a positive outlook on our COVID situation, I must emphasize, that we, must nonetheless exercise cautious optimism”.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said Negros Occidental is not only gearing for the MassKara sa Panaad in October, it is preparing for the resumption of its annual Panaad sa Negros next year.*