LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region V claimed success for the SIRAM project after getting an approval from national validators in a 3-day circuit tour in Albay last March 6.
“When the validators coming from the central office [na] pumunta dito last week and they [were] so impressed with our SIRAM circuit, ang ating gastronomic circuit, so I think it is a successful project,” DOT Regional Director Herbie Aguas said in an interview with Bicol.PH.
Aguas furthered that they would launch the project to promote the rich cuisines of each province in Bicol region as DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco aims to realize the culture and heritage of the Philippines.
“One of the most particular na pinakagusto naming mabigyan ng pansin ay ang ating kulinarya ng bawat rehiyon. And the Bicol region is very rich when it comes to culinary. Kaya, we launched this SIRAM Bicol showcasing the Bicolano dishes,” Aguas said.
Meanwhile, Aguas thought of ways to improve tour services in the region as concerns were raised by the national validators during the ratification of the project.
“I think they have to improve their skills in discussing how the dishes, the history of the dish, history of the yung mga recipe kung paano nangyari ‘yun para talaga maenjoy ng mga kumakain,” he said.
“Kasi minsan alam mo yung mga tourist they would love to know what they are eating [at] kung ano ang pinagmulan.”
Aguas stated that the project is on-going and has not yet been officially launched as there are still remaining provinces to visit.
DOT V is in constant coordination with the respective provincial tourism offices.
“Hindi pa na-l-launch (ang SIRAM Bicol) [kasi] hindi pa tayo nangangalahati kasi we have six provinces [and] dalawa pa lang ‘yung (napupuntahan): Sorsogon and Albay,” Aguas mentioned.
He said that the next provinces on the SIRAM circuit tour will be Catanduanes and Masbate.
Meanwhile, Aguas said that the SIRAM project will be launched as soon as they finish visiting all of the provinces around the Bicol region. | via Nicole Frilles and God Frey Las Piñas
Photos: Renato Jao