CATARMAN, Northern Samar, May 3 (PIA)-- A 5-year short-term tourism, culture and the arts plan was formulated recently during the 2-day Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts (PTCAC) Planning Workshop attended by PTCA council and the designated Municipal Tourism Officers of Northern Samar.

Ms. Liana Melissa Dela Rosa, the resource speaker and facilitator, a college professor of the University of Eastern Philippines and director of the Center for Samar Studies put emphasis on the understanding of the culture and the arts and formulating plans anchored on the Philippine Development Plan for its relevance and sustainability.

For the over-all goal of strengthening and boosting a vibrant eco-tourism industry of Northern Samar while preserving its cultural heritage, the PTCAC came up with the priority projects such as the establishment of the provincial eco-tourism hub and a proposal to present visually and artistically the Northern Samar tourism sites through a coffee table book.

This will showcase the festival of festivals in appreciation to each LGUs culture and heritage and strengthening community-based tourism activities though homestay tourism, involving the community in tourism industry fused with food and arts festivals.

The formulation of the Provincial Tourism, Culture and the Arts Code was also given consideration for an effective implementation of tourism programs coupled with the lobbying for the creation of Municipal Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Office and a plantilla position for Municipal Tourism Officers.

To foster deeper understanding and appreciation of culture and history and developing a sense of pride as Nortehanon, a provincial museum was proposed to serve as venue for the new generation to appreciate, discover and explore the past and rich history of the province.

"Tourism is the most heavily affected industry because of the pandemic, it is high time for us to endeavor, exert efforts, discover what we have, explore and promote so that, when we conquer this pandemic and all is well, we are ready to recover the tourism industry, raise the livelihood of the people and eventually boost the economy of the province," said the Provincial Tourism Officer, Ms. Maria Josette Doctor.

"On the part of the provincial government, rest assured that whatever plans, programs and activities that you will draft and propose will form part and be consolidated with the provincial tourism plans for 2022. These will all be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for adaption and subsequent implementation by the provincial government through the provincial tourism office," assured Governor Edwin Ongchuan in his message read by Board Member Neil Hernandez.

In his closing talk, Vice Governor Gary Lavin talked of the promising magnificent island resorts, waterfalls, and other tourism attractions of the province.

Tourism, he said has a multiplier effect economically, "Let us help develop the culture and arts tourism and maximize its potentials." (nbq/ADiaz/PIA-Northern Samar)