Press Release
May 13, 2020

Senate adopts De Lima reso honoring late DOT chief Mon Jimenez

For his "immeasurable contributions" in the Philippine tourism and advertising industry, the Senate of the Philippines adopted a resolution introduced by Senator Leila M. de Lima, which seeks to honor former Tourism Secretary Ramon "Mon" Jimenez Jr. who passed away last April 27.

Last May 12, the Senate has taken into consideration and adopted De Lima's Senate Resolution No. 402 as a tribute to Jimenez's accomplishments in Philippine tourism, which saw unprecedented growth during his stint as tourism chief.

"Sec. Mon Jimenez will be remembered in Philippine history as a key figure of the tourism industry and for revolutionizing the way by which the Philippines, as a tourism destination, is presented and promoted to both local and global audiences." De Lima said.

"It is only proper to recognize these contributions to his field of expertise and honor him for his exemplary work, dedication, and commitment to bringing out the best that the Philippines can offer at every opportunity," she added.

Last April 27, the 64-year-old Jimenez passed away peacefully at home according to his family. De Lima and Jimenez were friends and colleagues in the Cabinet of former President Benigno C. Aquino III.

During his time as Tourism Secretary, Jimenez spearheaded the "It's More Fun in the Philippines" campaign which, among other policies, boosted the popularity of the Philippines as a prime destination in the world for both foreign and local tourists.

Jimenez's policies in the DOT were also instrumental to the rise of the country's ranking at the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum. In 2015, the Philippines surged its tourism competitiveness to 74th place in the world, from 94th in 2011.

De Lima also recalled that even after her arbitrary arrest and during her detention based on trumped-up charges in February 2017, Jimenez regularly visited her at the custodial center in Camp Crame, Quezon City to express confidence in her innocence and show her continuing support in the causes that she is fighting for.

"We lost a very decent man and hardworking public servant. The quintessential gentleman. His last visit to me was few months ago. He was his usual Mr. Optimism, with his sharp and flawless articulation of reality-based insights," De Lima said.

"Sec. Mon's gravitas, expertise and ingenuity are truly remarkable. Mahinahon at napakatalas mag-isip; tunay na may malasakit sa Pilipino. At dahil sa kanyang husay at dedikasyon, ipinakilala niya sa mundo kung gaano kasaya at kaganda sa Pilipinas," she added.

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