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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lagman takes Frasco's side on Mayon-DOT issue, calls Salceda's comments 'political soundbite'

Lagman takes Frasco's side on Mayon-DOT issue, calls Salceda's comments 'political soundbite'

Published Jun 30, 2023 06:50 am
Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman (Facebook)




An Albay congressman has seemingly taken the side of Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco amid the tit-for-tat with Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda on the lousy representation of Mayon Volcano in the agency's renewed national tourism campaign. According to Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman, Salceda's comments on the matter are "essentially political soundbite". "The purported disenchantment of Rep. Joey Salceda on the low priority given by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to the Mayon Volcano as a tourist destination is essentially political soundbite," Lagman said in a letter to Frasco. A copy of the letter was shared to House of Representatives reporters on Friday afternoon. "I fully agree with your observation that his (Salceda) criticism is obviously premature as the fresh tourism initiatives of DOT under your leadership are still in the process of unfolding and would equally promote all Philippine tourist attractions and destinations," Lagman, a self-styled independent minority solon in the House, told Frasco in the letter. "The best argument against Rep. Salceda's parochial view on the supposed low priority accorded to the Mayon Volcano is your resolve to address the lack of potable water supply to the Mayon Tourism Complex, including the newly renovated Mayon Skyline Hotel (formerly Mayon Rest House), which was funded upon my initiative," noted Lagman. "There is also a continuing annual appropriation for the improvement and maintenance of the Mayon Parks Road leading to the Mayon Tourism Complex," he added. Lagman concluded his letter by saying: "I am fully supportive of your reinvigorated program to best promote and sustain Philippine tourism." Mayon Volcano, which has been restive for the past few weeks, is the top tourism draw of Albay, if not the entire Bicol region. An upset Salceda had earlier called out Frasco for excluding Mayon in the DOT's new promotional video for the country, which coincided with the launch of the agency's "Love the Philippines" slogan. House Deputy Speaker and Cebu 5th district Rep. Vincent Franco "Duke" Frasco, husband of the DOT chief, has said that the promotional campaign isn't confined to just a single video and that there would be "more to come". Salceda is a former three-term Albay governor. Sought for comment on his provincemate Lagman's statements, he simply told House reporters in a message: "No apologies for standing up for Albay--the people I represent. Thank you."



Related Tags

Mayon Volcano Albay Edcel Lagman Love the Philippines DOT joey salceda Sec. Christina Frasco
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