LUNA, Apayao – Since the completion of tourism road projects that connect the tourism sites to major thoroughfares, the Province of Apayao gears up for tourism industry and heads on to tourism sites development. As a result, the province is experiencing influx of tourists wanting to experience Apayao adventures.
Graced by the presence of Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. and Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang the municipality of Luna inaugurated their Tourism Information Center (TIC) last February 19 at Quirino, Luna during the week-long celebration of the 24th Apayao Founding Anniversary as the highlight of the municipality of Luna’s own version of Say Am Festival.
The TIC is one of the few projects that were funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprises Zone Authority (TIEZA). Around five million pesos was allotted for the construction of the TIC.
Sibling leaders Gov. Bulut and Congw. Leah stressed that the province is going all in for eco-tourism industry. They believe that the province has its unique features such as vast virgin forest which would entice visitors local and abroad.
“The very reason why we focus on eco-tourism development is that the national government saw our potential to be one of the premier tourism destinations in the far north and we have to take advantage of it,” Gov. Bulut said.
Congw. Leah admitted that Apayao has all the elements for the promotion of tourism industry, hence, the necessity to focus and prioritize tourism. “We now have the infrastructures like tourism roads and information centers. Tourism industry is a huge support to our developing economy,” Congw. Leah stressed.
Having the first ever TIC in Apayao which was constructed in her municipality, Mayor Bangsil thanked the Provincial Government and the Office of the Congw. for making Luna as key tourism destination. She also encouraged her constituents to work hand in hand to maintain and preserve their tourism sites.
During the project overview message, Provincial Tourism Officer Rebecca Mamba stated that the TIC will technically serve as the tourist assistance center for Lower Apayao for the reason that it is adjacent to the main entry point of the province. She also pointed that this project was a collective effort of the municipal officials of Luna with support from the Provincial Government and Office of the Congresswoman in terms of the documents and requirements of TIEZA for the construction.
The blessing and inauguration of the TIC was attended by key officials of Municipal Government of Luna, headed by Mayor Josephine M. Bangsil and Vice Mayor Manolito Bullaoit to include all the Sangunian Bayan Members and the local chieftains as well as the staff of the municipal government.
By Jess Christley Marquez
Banner illustration by Don Ray Ramos
