Bicol Region

Albay among top tourist destination in the country - DOT

By Marlon A. Loterte

Saturday 14th of April 2012

LEGAZPI CITY, April 14 (PIA) -- Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said on Tuesday that Albay is becoming top tourist destination in the country after pursuing an aggressive tourism program that's helping propel the province's economic growth.

Jimenez, who graced on Tuesday the opening rites of the province annual month-long Magayon Festival, said the big investment poured in by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda on its tourism program would indeed boost economic activity.

Jimenez, citing tourism statistics said in 2011 Albay posted 350,069 tourist arrivals -- a 17 percent growth rate that surpassed the national growth rate of 15 percent.

Jimenez at a press conference said there were 3.9 million tourist arrival in the country in 2010 and 4.6 million in 2011.

Jimenez said, “It is more fun in Albay because Albayanos are known for being hospitable."

He said Albay has distinct tourism features with its people, festivals, history, culture and arts.

"Tourism needs to invest in people since “tourism is a business of the people, there should be a concrete road map that would attract and be a destination.

“Mayon volcano should not only be an attraction, it should rather be a destination.”

Jimenez lauded Salceda for initiating a three-pronged event that showcases a 30-day festivals, including the Magayon Festival depicting Albay’s cultural heritage, the Cagsawa Festival, and Karangahan Festival, featuring the province's culinary arts.

Salceda said that the province, after making distinction in the field of health, education, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, is now moving toward tourism and agriculture development.

Salceda said the province is now shifting from the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to economic growth by attracting more industry players who would invest in agriculture modernization and tourism development.

Salceda, adapting "Albay Rising" as the province’s slogan said the slogan is largely anchored on the development of the tourism industry.

Among the province's tourist attractions are the active and near perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano, the historic Cagsawa Ruins, and many fine beaches.

Salceda said “Albay is investing heavily on tourism as among its revenue generating concerns designed to spur the economic development.”

With Magayon Festival on its fifth year, the provincial government has set a package of close to 150 events that feature culture and the arts, trade and industry, tourism spectacles, culinary food trips, sports and special interests that are expected to titillate the interest of tourists and visitors.

Among the event highlights of Magayon Festival 2012 is the staging of the Dance of the Three Mountains, a play written by multi-awarded Albayano writer Abdon Balde in the Bicol vernacular.

The legend tells the story of the three sister mountains -- Magayon, Masaraga, and Malinao which is actually the legend of Mayon Volcano.

Taking center stage is the Mutya ng Magayon Festival 2012, a pageant which has already produced world-class beauty titlists like Dianne Necio, the 2011 Bb. Pilipinas International.

Likewise, the Higantes, a parade of giant effigies which are all Albay mythological characters.

The festival highlights include the Ginoo ng Magayon Festival 2012, to be hosted by actress Lovi Poe; Concierto sa Magayon, with Jhong Hilario and Kiss Jane; Concierto Pasasalamat; Magayon Lyre, Drum and Baton Competition; Gayon Bicol Festival Showdown; Daragang Magayon Legend Showdown, the street dancing and festival queen presentation; Hot-Taw sa Karaonan, and the Sili Viand Eating Contest; among others.

Magayon’s Beer Plaza, will present bands and artists as nightly guests at the Penaranda Park in here, and is expected to keep the festival’s night life wake until dawn. (MAL/MSA-PGA)