DOT Region 2 Opens Tourism Week with Eucharistic Celebration
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 2 officially opened its Tourism Week celebration with a Eucharistic Celebration held on September 21, 2026, at the DOT Regional Office, bringing together officials and employees in prayer, thanksgiving, and reflection.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Reverend Father Jake Ordillos, who, in his homily, reflected on the Gospel account of Jesus calling Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. Father Ordillos emphasized three meaningful actions reflected in Jesus’ encounter with Matthew: seeing, encountering, and welcoming.
He highlighted how Jesus first saw Matthew beyond his profession and social standing, encountered him personally, and welcomed him without prejudice. The reflection offered a meaningful parallel to the work of those in the tourism sector, where seeing people and communities beyond their circumstances, genuinely encountering them, and welcoming them with openness and respect are essential to creating meaningful experiences.
Father Ordillos’ message also reminded the DOT workforce of the deeper dimension of service—that every person encountered is an opportunity to extend understanding, dignity, and hospitality. In a sector fundamentally anchored on welcoming people, these values remain relevant not only in serving visitors but also in working with communities, stakeholders, and fellow public servants.
The Eucharistic Celebration likewise served as an opportunity for DOT Region 2 to give thanks for the accomplishments and milestones of the tourism sector and to seek guidance and blessings for the continuing work of promoting and developing tourism in the region.
As Tourism Week begins, DOT Region 2 renews its commitment to a tourism industry that places people at the heart of development—one that welcomes visitors, empowers communities, strengthens partnerships, and creates meaningful and sustainable tourism experiences.
The celebration of Tourism Week will feature various activities highlighting the region’s destinations, tourism products, communities, and the people whose collective efforts continue to make Region 2 a vibrant and welcoming destination.