Through the means of Bicol tourism, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region V officially launches Philippine Experience Program (PEP) Bicol leg in the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon from October 8 – 10 which proudly presents the tourism circuit through colorful festivals, gastronomy, culture, and heritage all at once.
To provide a cultural platform for local government units, provinces, cities, and municipalities all over the Philippines in expanding the means for local and national tourism, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco personally attended the opening of PEP’s Bicol leg simultaneously with the Kasanggayahan Festival at Sorsogon Provincial Gymnasium.
The national delegates include undersecretaries of DOT, regional directors, government officials from Cebu, local and national tour operators, media, and other guests coming from different parts of the country.
“It is our hope that through the Philippine Experience this collaboration between the national and the LGUs of our country can lead to further development of our tourism destination and that these developments can be felt of the province,” said Frasco.
Moreover, DOT V Regional Director Herbie Aguas expects that this activity will boost Bicol tourism knowing that among the delegates are nine (9) mayors from Cebu who were set to experience the program first-hand.
“So talagang mas tataas ‘to, naririnig ko ‘yung mga comments nila kanina, kagwapa kang mga lugar edi ibig sabihon kagayon kang lugar ta. So, it is really a good break for Bicol region,” Aguas said.
PhilEx goes to Kasanggayahan Festival 2023
Along with opening of PEP comes with the colorful festivity of Kasanggayahan, featuring the abundance and prosperity of the province of Sorsogon spearheaded by its provincial government which also served as the first stop of the national event.
“Malayo-layo na po ang ating narating, just look around, pagmasdan lang po ang paligid. Masasabi natin na ang laki na ng pinagbago ng Sorsogon,” said 1st District Representative of Sorsogon Dette Escudero.
Frasco also expressed her gratitude to join and witness the grand opening of the Kasanggayahan Festival 2023 to celebrate Sorsogon’s culture, heritage, and traditions.
“We are here to bring the Philippine Experience, a cultural, arts, and heritage caravan that seeks to introduce of tourists international and domestic to the heart and soul of the Filipino through our festivals, products, and foods,” said Frasco. | God Frey Las Pinas
