Press Release
February 10, 2009

Best of Region XII and ARMM showcase extended til Feb. 16

The Best of Region XII and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) showcase in Intramuros History Town would go on an extended run until Feb. 16, following its success in drawing thousands of foreign and local tourists.

In less than two months since it reopened, Intramuros History Town has accommodated nearly a hundred thousand visitors from Dec. 5, 2008 to Feb. 2, 2009, with the Region XII and ARMM showcase drawing about 6,000 visitors daily.

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon, who originally conceived of Intramuros History Town and the Best of the Regions showcase when he was tourism secretary, said the sheer number of daily visitors alone confirms the fact that taking stock in Philippine history and heritage could make a difference.

"We may face a global recession but you would not feel its adverse effects in Intramuros. Not with the thousands of visitors every weekend, not with the brisk sales in the booths within the History Town grounds," said Gordon.

To add a climactic highlight to the Best of Region XII and ARMM showcase, Gordon organized an "Ambassador's Night" attended by members of the diplomatic corps held at the Clamshell 1, last Sunday night.

Gordon said the Ambassadors' Night provided a chance to show the ambassadors and officials from the countries of South Africa, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Romania, Italy, Iraq, and Geneva our country's rich and unique culture.

"We showed that Mindanao, despite being unjustly portrayed by local and foreign media, is a land of people who are as committed to the ways of peace as we are and whose rich history and unique culture welcome all who seek it," he said.

The ambassadors and foreign diplomats witnessed a symbolic tree-planting ceremony which featured letters of hope and peace written by 100 children and were buried in a "Lakub" (or Vessel of Peace) as they planted trees.

The ceremony also symbolized the continuing commitment of Mindanao's people to forge a path towards a just and lasting peace.

"Whenever I talk of pushing for tourism in places like Sulu and Basilan, people say it cannot be done. But those are words I do not understand and do not hear, for why cannot it be done?" Gordon said.

"The peace-loving and hardworking people of Sulu and Basilan outnumber the lawless elements in their provinces. If we take stock in them and their abilities to live harmonious and productive lives, we will have peace and we will all emerge victorious," he added.

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