The Tourism Congress of the Philippines held its biennial elections, and Aileen Clemente was reelected as Executive Vice-President of the Organization. Mark Evidente, on the other hand, was reappointed as counsel and policy adviser. Both our principals thus serve on the authoritative umbrella organization in the Philippine tourism industry.
The Tourism Congress was mandated by the Tourism Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9593) to create a broad-based, cross-sectoral organization to represent the tourism industry, and work as a partner with the Department of Tourism in the making and implementing policies, plans and programs. It also nominates the private sector representatives to the governing boards of three attached agencies to the DOT, namely, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, the Tourism Promotions Board, and Duty Free Philippines Corporation.
The officers of the Tourism Congress include:
Rosanna T. Fores, President, from Hijo Resources
Aileen Clemente, Executive Vice President, from Rajah Travel
Robert John Horrigan, Vice-President for Luzon, from Misibis Bay Resort
Alice Queblatin, Vice-President for Visayas, from Southwind Travel and Tours
Eileen San Juan, Vice-President for Mindanao, from Southland Events
Marisa Nallana, Secretary, from Philippine Exhibits and Themeparks
Sandra Dy, Treasurer, from HAFTI Transport
Norman Eusebio, Assistant Treasurer, from Microtel
Orlando Ballesteros, Public Relations Officer, from Ex-link Management and Marketing
Cynthia Mamon, Trustee, from Enchanted Kingdom
Julie Marie Najar, Trustee, from Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
Henry Oyao, Trustee, from Check Cars
Edgar Cases, Trustee, from Malapascua Auasports
Elpidio Paras, Trustee, from Dahilayan Forest Park
Marilou Ampuan, Trustee, from Bloomers Travel and Tours
Lourdes Bibit, Trsutee, from Sierra Yati Transport
Eduardo Pelaez, Trustee, from Mapawa Nature Park
*Photo from Tourism Congress, Inc.