ILOILO – To further promote the province’s tourism industry, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. unveiled the new tourism slogan, “Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo.”
According to the governor, the new slogan is the best representation of the province, which banks on food, culture, tourist spots, and its people.
Defensor launched the slogan during the Linggo ng Kabataan 2023 opening program at the Iloilo provincial capitol on Aug. 10, noting it is timely as the youth play a vital role in promoting the province’s tourism industry.
The governor further said the slogan symbolizes the qualities of the Ilonggos, which translate to the enjoyment and satisfaction that tourists experience when visiting Iloilo.
He cited the 1,763 fiestas and 43 festivals of the province, as well as the beautiful beaches, mountains, and other natural and historical sites in Iloilo which contribute to the fun, thrill, and excitement visitors will feel in the province.
More than the scenery, culture and festivities, Ilonggos are also natural foodies, noting that Iloilo stands out with its diverse gastronomy and delectable dishes that will satisfy the cravings of tourists.
“Friendly kay halin sang una the best asset sang Filipinos, especially in tourism, is that we are hospitable. Kita nga mga Ilonggo mabakud mag-amoma sang mga tao. Amu na aton pwersa, maayo kita mag-intinder sang mga tao,” Defensor said.
The new slogan also serves as the mantra for tourism under MoRProGRes Iloilo, or Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo.
“MoRProGRes Iloilo is our whole province approach to the development and progress of the province and city of Iloilo, and the strongest and largest part of this movement is you… We want to engage our youth under MoRProGRes Iloilo; we want you to own this movement,” Defensor added.
“MoReProGRes” has the following specific goals:
* to increase investments and employment opportunities
* to attain food security
* to provide accessible health and social services
* to promote public safety
* to protect and manage the resources and assets of the province
* to provide effective, efficient, and transparent government administrative services.
MoRProgGRes encompasses food security, tourism, and climate change resilience. Here are the objectives:
* to promote the production of high-value crops in various agricultural settings for food security
* to blend ornamental gardening, landscaping, and high-value crop production
* to create an agri-tourism destination for tourists, especially Ilonggo weekenders
* to create green agri-tourism destinations that promote the use of recycled or upcycled materials
* to contribute to the province’s climate change response.
The provincial government previously had “It has to be Iloilo” as its tourism slogan, approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in 2017.
“It has to be Iloilo” was used to spur investments and attract local and international tourists. It was authored by SP member Marcelo Valentine Serag of the 1st District and former SP member Demetrio Sonza of the 2nd District.
“Iloilo has a lot of tourist spots. There are beaches in the north and south of the province. There are many historical sites, too,” said Serag. “When you’re into these things, it has to be Iloilo.” (With a report from Philippine Information Agency)/PN
