DAY 3: Ligao City opens City Tourism Office and Pasalubong Center

The celebration gets even grander as Ligao City's 13th Cityhood Anniversary on March 24 is approaching. Unique and remarkable events were held since day one and still more one-of-a-kind events to look forward to in the coming days of the celebration. The third day, March 21, 2014, is another date to mark in the history as Ligao City opened the City Tourism Office and Pasalubong Center at Jessie M. Robredo Building in Tuburan, Ligao City.

Realization of a vision

Former Ligao City Mayor Linda Gonzalez conceptualized

the City Tourism Office and Pasalubong Center during her 

administration.

Former Ligao City Mayor Linda P. Gonzalez expressed her gratitude for the realization of the envisioned City Tourism Office and Pasalubong Center which she conceptualized during her administration. She also added that the building was indeed intended to be a tourism office and pasalubong center since the second floor is dedicated for skills training for women. She also mentioned the presence of satellite production for the native products and the supposed covered court at the back of the building intended for more training. "Kaya nga tinawag na Productivity Center [This is why it's called Productivity Center]," said Former Mayor Linda Gonzalez who also mentioned Congresswoman Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo's high interest and delight on the facility.

Former Mayor Linda Gonzalez ended her message with a polite and straightforward request to Regional Director Maria O. Ravanilla of the Department of Tourism, Region V to support Ligao City tourism through the projects and programs available in Bicol region. She also sees the great potential of Ligao City to become a major tourist destination in the Philippines. "...because we are young and yet aggressive on becoming a destination for tourism in the Philippines," justifies former Mayor Linda Gonzalez.

Pasalubong Center: a mirror to Ligao's culture and tradition

"The Ligaoeños deserve a big applause," said Director Ravanilla. The City Tourism Office is a manifestation that Ligaoeños are now ready to accept and receive tourists, she added. "This is a powerful information tool" said Director Ravanilla as it will serve as a guide for local and international tourists on the best places to visit in Ligao City.

Ligao City Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua also showed photographs displayed at the City Tourism Office featuring the local tourist destinations. "These are the sites that we Ligaoeños are proud of. We would like to showcase our sites and tourist destinations to all Ligaoeños and to all tourists," said Mayor Gonzalez-Alsua.

Director Ravanilla, on the other hand, referred to the Pasalubong Center as a reflection of what and who Ligaoeños are. "This is a reflection na ang mga Ligaoeños determinado, very creative, mga mahihigos... Iyo po ini ang kultura asin tradisyon na winalat kan satuyang mga ninuno. [This is a reflection that Ligaoeños are determined, very creative, hardworking...This is the culture and tradition we inherited from our ancestors]," she added.

Photos of famous tourist destinations in Ligao City are displayed in the City Tourism Office

Only in Ligao City

Director Ravanilla also emphasized the unique beauty of Kawa-Kawa Hill which brings people closer to nature and closer to God. She even personally advertised the unique products along the way when trekking the hill. "Where else can you taste the best dila-dila? I love the dila-dila! Where else can you taste the best puto na may macapuno filling?...Where else can you taste a halo-halo na may lambanog? It's only in Ligao City"

Region V Tourism Office Director Maria Ravanilla proudly

shows off her shirt with a printed photo of her in a 

sunflower field.

Ligao City has always been part of her presentations in international gatherings and she herself promotes Ligao City. She even proudly showed off her worn shirt with a printed photo of her in the middle of a sunflower field; and people always mistook the photo to have been taken in foreign places, according to Director Ravanilla.


Director Ravanilla also urged the office to design a promotional material with a map (collateral) that will be used as a guide for tourists. In addition, she suggested to develop the sunflower backyard gardening for each household that can later lead to sustainable development. She emphasized that sunflower should always be present in Ligao City as it is part of the culture and people will always look for it.

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez encourages Ligaoeños

to participate in the development of tourism in Ligao City.

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez commended the continuous efforts of local officials and personnel, and utmost support of Director Ravanilla in preserving and developing tourist destinations in Ligao City. He also sees the great potential of the coastal area in becoming a major tourist destination in the Philippines.

Congressman Gonzalez estimated a two-year time span to develop an industry of sunflower and sunflower products. He also encouraged everyone to participate in the regional tourism programs as it will in turn benefit Ligao City.