STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT. The statements of support issued by Cebu Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Japan's Consul General Hideki Yamaji as posted on Cebu Provincial Capitol's social media account. The statements expressed their support for Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco and the campaign slogan "Love the Philippines." (Screencap from Cebu Capitol PIO)
CEBU CITY – The Filipino-Chinese business community in Cebu expressed support for the programs of the Department of Tourism (DOT) promoting the Philippines as one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
The statement signed by seven officers of the Cebu Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, headed by its president, former Ambassador Francisco Benedicto, also said they are standing by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who was caught in the middle of a controversy over the use of stock footage taken from other countries in its “Love the Philippines” promotional video.
The statement of support was posted Friday on Cebu provincial capitol’s social media account.
“We admire her honesty and transparency in addressing the current issue and support her plans to showcase the beauty and diversity of the Philippines,” the statement said.
They believed that with Frasco at the helm, the DOT would be able to elevate the country's tourism which would eventually help improve the economy.
The Cebu Mandaue Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries also released the same statement, citing Frasco’s track record of success and her commitment to promoting the country as a “premiere tourist destination.”
"'Love the Philippines' is such a strong and powerful statement. Our country had (gone) through the unthinkable and we made it out unscathed. To 'Love the Philippines' is, but apt and timely in these very interesting times,” the Mandaue chamber said.
Meanwhile, the consul general of Japan, Hideki Yamaji, also expressed his full support for the tourism slogan of DOT.
Yamaji said he closely followed the commendable efforts of Frasco in promoting the country as a must-visit destination.
He said he was stunned by the diverse attractions in the region during his visit to the various cities and provinces in the Visayas.
“Furthermore, I believe that the 'Love the Philippines' campaign holds tremendous potential for attracting an increasing number of Japanese visitors,” Yamaji said in a separate statement. (PNA)
