DOT Region 2 launches new Regional Tourism Brand
The Department of Tourism, Cagayan Valley and Northern Philippine Islands Region launched its new regional tourism brand, “Your Islands and Valley of FUN” on 5 July 2019 at the Robinsons Place, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
The new regional tourism brand was initially crafted in December 2017. It is set to define and embrace the distinct characteristics of the region and to include its many diverse yet breathtaking natural, cultural and man-made attractions. During the launching, the different tourist destinations of Cagayan Valley Region were highlighted. Provincial, municipal and city Local Government Units (LGUs) of the region were also invited to attend the event.
Regional Director Virgilio Maguigad opined that the brand aims to embody, promote and encourage responsible and sustainable tourism in the region without disregarding the “fun” part. He also encouraged the audience to embrace the new brand to further the promotion of tourism in the region by using the official hashtag #YourIslandsAndValleyOfFun and following the social media accounts of the Regional Office in Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
When asked to talk regarding the rationale of the launching, Chief Tourism Operations Officer Fanibeth Domingo noted: “The importance of launching the new tourism brand of the region is to succinctly tell the story of our communities through properly building identity for the places, products, services among others that we want to market and promote”.
To add color to the event, the Cagayan National High School – SPA Sibol Mananayaw were invited to render their atmospheric dance performance. To further add spice to this colorful event, the regional office prepared various types of games for those present to enjoy. Among the prizes for said games were trip to Batanes, Calayan, Sta. Ana, Nueva Vizcaya, and Baggao.
To formally close the launch, the audiences were asked to stand to make the Pledge of Commitment led by Senior Tourism Operations Officer Romeo G. Caranguian, Jr. The Pledge of Commitment states among others that “to undertake responsible and sustainable activities that will emphasize the relevance of tourism and help generate awareness about the tourism brand.”
Among the participants present in the event were the different provincial and municipal Tourism Officers, various industry stakeholders, the academe and some members of the media. Former tourism Regional Director Blessida Diwa, Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension Robert Busania and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulatory Rose Mary Aquino of Department of Agriculture also graced the occasion.