The Valenzuela City local government, through the city’s Cultural Affairs and Tourism Development Office (CATDO), held its first tourism summit at the Casa De Polo on Wednesday, September 24.
(Photos from Valenzuela City Government)
The event coincided with the city’s Tourism Week celebration, as mandated by Proclamation No. 894, Series of 1994.
According to the city’s public information office, Casa Polo was chosen as the venue due to its strategic location near various heritage sites and recreational places in the city such as San Diego de Alcala Parish, Museo ni Dr. Pio Valenzuela, Tagalog Fishing Village, The Valenzuela Boardwalk, and Arkong Bato Park.
The summit aimed to unite tourism stakeholders to raise awareness and encourage collaboration in preparation for tourism development planning.
CATDO head Jonathan Balsamo highlighted the importance of local employment through effective tourism practices, which can enhance quality of life by driving economic growth, cultural enrichment, and access to new experiences.
“The goal of tourism is to give ginhawa to the people (The goal of tourism is to provide comfort or relief to the people),” he said.
The city government said that over the past 15 years, the city has developed its tourism sector, establishing nine attractions and recreational spaces including the Valenzuela City People’s Park, Polo Park, and Valenzuela City Sports Park.
It added that the city is currently constructing two new facilities - the Valenzuela Skate Park and Valenzuela Paw Park.
The city is located in a strategic location as a connecting hub for nearby municipalities, along with major infrastructure projects like the New Manila International Airport in Bulakan, the North-South Commuter Railway, and the Metro Manila Subway, has led the Cultural and Tourism Development Office (CATDO) to advance its tourism initiatives, aiming to improve the quality of life and generate local job opportunities.
During the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of inclusivity in local tourism. Dr. Kathleen Apilado noted the city’s commitment to inclusivity for all, while Ramon Tiangco stressed the importance of supporting local businesses for community vitality.
“Hahaba ang kanilang buhay, hindi niyo man maramdaman ‘yun, nararamdaman nila ‘yun” (It will sustain the local business owners; you might not feel it, but they are feeling it),” Tiangco said.
Several researchers presented studies on promoting tourism in the city, covering topics such as the roles of green spaces for students, cultural manifestations during local festivals, and assessments of Valenzuela’s readiness as a tourist destination.
The summit was attended by representatives from the Department of Tourism (DOT), local government officials, and law enforcement agencies.
The city government encouraged residents to support local businesses and embrace the evolving tourism industry through quality hospitality and services.