SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), through its tourism office, highlighted its commitment to strengthening peace and inclusive growth by hosting the La Union Tourism Summit on Sept. 25 at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center.
Centered on the theme “Tourism and Peace,” the summit coincided with the National Tourism Month celebration and was aimed at equipping participants with sustainable tourism practices while strengthening relationships within the industry to enhance service delivery.
In his message, Julius Manabat, officer-in-charge of PGLU’s tourism office, emphasized the crucial connection between tourism and peace in shaping the future of the sector.
“During this tourism summit, we will explore the deep relationship between tourism and peace. Together, let’s learn how to make our industry a channel and promoter of peace in our province and across the country,” Manabat said.
Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David further underscored that building peace in the province through tourism is a collective effort that requires collaboration among the government, private sector, local communities, and tourists.
“Maintaining this peace is a shared responsibility. Every individual—whether a local, tourist, or business stakeholder—plays a vital role in preserving peace and order in our communities,” Ortega-David stated, assuring that the province’s beaches, mountains, and cultural sites remain safe spaces for both locals and visitors.
The summit featured discussions on innovative strategies to enhance the tourism sector, emphasizing the role of culture in promoting peace, inclusivity, and unity through collaboration.
Dr. John Paolo Rivera, economist and professor of University of Asia and the Pacific, highlighted La Union’s potential as a model for peace-driven tourism, stressing the need for inclusivity to be a key element of the province’s tourism agenda.
“Tourism can be a powerful tool to break down stereotypes. Through this, you can gain insights into our behavior, interactions, and way of speaking, all while promoting harmony. Thus, our primary goal is to showcase our culture, helping you better understand our perspective,” Rivera explained.
Dr. Ramon Benedicto Alampay, professor of University of the Philippines, emphasized tourism’s vital role in preserving cultural heritage and enhancing local communities while Ronn Astillas, chair of the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce noted that effective tourism goes beyond mere collaboration, requiring inclusive approaches that connect identity, communities, and the environment.
Meanwhile, Michaela Mabutas, a tourism student of Saint Louis College- San Fernando City and a participant at the summit, said the insights gained from the discussions will help them better understand the industry’s challenges and opportunities as they prepare for their future careers.
“The summit was an eye-opener for us aspiring tourism professionals. It did not only introduce us to sustainable tourism practices but also allowed us to connect with industry experts and learn about the crucial role tourism plays in promoting peace and inclusivity,” Mabutas said.
Further, the provincial government remains to be committed to improving its tourism promotions, discovering new potential destinations, and providing training for stakeholders. (AMB/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)
