Duterte: Philippines remains safe for travelers, conducive for biz

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga -- President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday the Philippines continues to be a safe travel spot for foreigners and a conducive investment destination.

Duterte made the assurance as he graced the Kapampangan Food Festival 2017 here attended by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other local officials.

"Let me reiterate that the Philippines remains a safe place for visitors and continues to be a conducive investment destination," he said.

"Rest assured that we are undertaking measures to encourage travelers to come here so they can have a more fun and exciting experience in the country," he added.

This year's Kapampangan Food Festival showcases Pampanga’s culinary potential and aimed at making the province the cuisine capital of the world.

"I ask each of you to join me in spurring economic growth and fostering unity and solidarity here in Pampanga and the rest of Central Luzon. Let us show to the world what the Philippines has to offer --- our world-class hospitality, sumptuous food and unique heritage," he told a crowd of Pampangueños.

He also renewed his commitment to eliminate corruption and red tape, criminality and illegal drugs, which are among his major campaign promises during the last election.

He mentioned the country’s agriculture sector, which he said is lagging behind compared with other sectors.

“The only way to improve it really is to give more lands if we can afford it. I am for land reform. Isa ‘yan sa sinabi ko sa kampanya and I will not renege on it,” he added.

He promised to look for money and to implement land reform in the country.

He noted that there must be an improvement on the manufacturing side of the agricultural sector saying that it can only be achieved if there is peace and order especially in the countryside.

The two-day festival, held at Fontana Convention Center, is in line with the celebration of “Aldo ning Kapampangan” or Pampanga Day.

The food fest is spearheaded by Culinary Pampanga, the network of chefs and restaurants in the province, that want to showcase Pampanga’s unique cuisine and make them globally competitive.

Also joining the President during the event were Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis Pineda and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello.

Around 1,000 celebrity chefs, exhibitors and officials joined the food festival. (PND)