After being elected last November 2019, the new officers of Palawan Tourism Council took oath yesterday, March 3, at the Governor’s Conference Room at the Capitol Building before Gov. Jose C. Alvarez (JCA).
The new set of officers that would serve from 2020 to 2023 are Rey Felix “Rix” Rafols, president; Deborah Tan, treasurer; Michelle Solomo, secretary; and Angie Mendoza, auditor, although she was not around during the program.
Prior to their current positions, Rafols and Solomo did not hold any positions in the Council while Tan was the former president.
The officers categorically confirmed that their plan on electing vice presidents for the three areas of Palawan or for the north and south and central are aimed for the smooth transition when the division of Palawan wins in the plebiscite.
Rafols said that he will focus on sustainable development not only for the environment but also for the business sector.
“There are already safeguards in place with all the sectors or different agencies, especially with DENR, LGU’s, PCSD; mayroon na tayong safe nets. Ang kailangan lang nating gawin, dapat lang nating ma-streamline or ma-coordinate… ‘Kung ito ang kailangan, this is what we should be able to do; [para] hindi magulo,” he said when asked on how they would balance the protection of natural resources and the so-called progress.
“Of course business and the sustainability of the environment should hand-in-hand. Ang kailangan lang natin talaga is more talks, not just through the business sector but with the government also. There’re should be a partnership,” he added.
He likewise said that his co-officers will help the business sector in creating or streamlining the policies for the smooth run of businesses.
“Also, we would like to help out the businesses especially on business side, not everyone know already how to run a business but Palawan is so beautiful, there’re so many opportunities na all over na pwede natin silang tulungan,” he further said.
While former PTC President Tan also commented that amidst the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the travel bans imposed by the LGU and the national government, they should now work with extra hard for more marketing. She said that they will do it through the utilization of the Council’s social media page, by professionalizing their website, and through the help and influence of social media vloggers.
“Talagang…the only way to survive really is to get together, especially in managing social media effort to counter all the negative trends regarding this virus (COVID-19),” she said.
While incumbent President Rafols added that they envisioned the business sector to offer a world class level of hospitality to their guests.
And most of all, the officers extend their full support to the “Every island is an adventure” campaign of the Provincial Government of Palawan that for the Council Management Committee’s President would be a good venue to showcase the different destinations of every municipality.
Rafols said that in showcasing the beautiful places of the municipalities, the provincail LGU will show to the visitors that “there’s a lot to offer all over Palawan.”
Meanwhile, Provincial Tourism Officer Maribel Buñi extends her hopes for a vibrant partnership with PTC in the next coming years to achieve inclusivity and competitiveness.