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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos urges Fil-Ams to revisit PH history, culture

Marcos urges Fil-Ams to revisit PH history, culture

Published Jul 17, 2023 08:45 am
Come and see the Philippines. This was the call of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to Filipino-Americans who are visiting the country as part of the 2023 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour organized by the government. President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (RTVM Screenshot)
Marcos welcomed the visitors to Malacañang Palace on Monday, July 17, which was part of their tour to explore the best of Metropolitan Manila. In his speech, he told them how important the activity was in achieveing the country's goal to transform the economy through tourism and foreign investments. He, thus, asked them to return to the Philippines so that they could rediscover its history and culture. "It's important, I think, for all Filipinos no matter where you are, no matter where you live, to remember what the history is, what the tradition is, what happened to our forefathers  to be able to give to us as a product of sacrifices over the many many years," Marcos said. "It has become a more intensive program in the sense that we have put a great deal of priority on our tourism and on our investment, not only in the Philippines but also abroad. And so this plays, for me, this plays a part in our transformation of our economy," Marcos added. The President stressed that the VIP Tour, which was halted for years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is an opportunity for overseas Filipinos to teach their children about the Philippines. "And now, we would like for you to come and see that there is also good work we've done here back home. There are many great opportunities for you and for the country as we try to transform the economy, as we try to transform our society into one that is more agile, one that is more prepared and forward-looking in terms of the new environment that we have to live and work in," he said. During his speech, he also expressed pride in being at the receiving end of praises from fellow foreign leaders for Filipinos' reputation around the world. He said Filipinos abroad have contributed a lot in making the Philippines' name shine globally. "Everywhere you go, every part of society that us, Filipinos, have decided to go to have made a very  good name for ourselves. With that, we thank our Filipino brothers and sisters who live abroad and continue to make the name of the Philippines shining and a good reputation that you have gained over so many years that you work abroad," Marcos said. The VIP Tour is being offered to Filipino-Americans, their families and friends. The itinerary for this year’s tour combines the best of Metropolitan Manila, Iloilo and Boracay, where participants will get to enjoy an enriching vacation experience as they explore the country’s award-winning beaches and historical sites, as well as its rich cultural heritage and traditions. It is spearheaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Rajah Tours.

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Bongbong Marcos Filipino Americans VIP Tour Philippines President Marcos
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