Press Release
May 9, 2018

Nancy seeks permanent LGU positions for tourism officers

Senator Nancy Binay is pushing for the approval of a proposed measure that would provide permanent positions in local government units (LGUs) for tourism officers.

"Tourism is an integral part of the Philippine economy and no less than the Tourism Act of 2009 recognizes the need for permanent positions for our tourism officers. They are necessary in fortifying the tourism safeguards provided by this law. There is a need to empower and capacitate our Local Government Units (LGUs) so that they can identify tourism opportunities in their locality, and to sustainably develop and operate these," said Binay, who chairs the committee on tourism in the Senate.

According to Binay, tourism officers are vital point persons in the planning and execution of tourism plans, and it should be made a regular part of all LGU staff.

"Mahalaga po ang papel ng mga tourism officers upang maging successful ang mga tourism plans and programs. Ngunit, sa aking pag-iikot at pakikipag-usap, nakalulungkot na marinig ang mga kwento ng ilang mga tourism officers. Minsan, sila ay 'on a concurrent capacity', kinuha mula sa ibang opisina upang maging tourism officer," she stressed.

Section 42 of Republic Act No. 9593 otherwise known as the Tourism Act of 2009 states, "Every province, city or municipality in which tourism is a significant industry shall have a permanent position for a tourism officer."

Republic Act No. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 does not include the provision of permanent positions of tourism officers in its exclusive list of officers for every LGU.

"Nais nating baguhin 'yan sa pamamagitan ng Senate Bill No. 1565 na aamyendahan ang Local Government Code ng 1991 upang mabigyang daan ang pagtatalaga ng permanenteng mga posisyon para sa mga tourism officers natin," she added.

In particular, Senate Bill No. 1565 seeks to amend sections 443, 454, and 463 of Republic Act No. 7160 to ensure the appointment of tourism officers to permanent positions in municipal, city, and provincial governments, respectively.

"Mas madali nating mapangangalagaan ang mga naggagandahang destinasyon ng ating bansa kung mayroon tayong tourism officers na nakapwesto sa bawat LGU. Ngunit hindi nila magagawa ang kanilang trabaho nang mahusay kung wala silang permanenteng posisyon," said Binay.

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