BALIK-PROBINSIYA PROGRAM Nenaco ties up with DOT

COTABATO CITY - The Department of Tourism (DOT) -Region XII has

joined a promotional tie-up between the DOT and Negros Navigation

on the "Balik Probinsya Program" to be launched here at the City

Plaza on June 5.

DOT-Region XII director Sohura Dimaampao said the tieup's goal is "to

promote the eight anchor destinations with their respective satellite

destinations, namely: Metro Manila, Laoag/Vigan, Baguio/Ifugao, Palawan,

Cebu, Bohol, Boracay and Davao with Kidapawan City as one of its satellite

destinations and to drum up various festivals being celebrated throughout the

year nationwide."

She cited DOT Secretary Gemma Cruz-Araneta as saying that the "Balik

Probinsya" program is in line with President Estrada's rediscovery program

based on culture and heritage.

"Surely, it will entice our countrymen and foreign travelers to visit our country

and discover not only its many beautiful attractions and natural resources, but

also its rich history and culture," Araneta said.

Dimaampao cited the program as another effective means of promoting

domestic tourism.

"We have to be always in the search for creative means to entice our own

people to go and visit the country's many tourist spots in promoting our

cultural heritage. An educational, enlightening and eye-opening tourism

promotion can serve to strengthen national awareness and unity," Dimaampao

said.

The DOT-Region XII chief announced that Negros Navigation is offering special

discounts and highly affordable travel packages.

Due to the tie-up, the shipping line is producing collateral materials such as

"Balik Probinsya" discount cards, posters, brochures and fans that focus on

the eight destinations. The materials are for distribution to its target clientele

and on board vessels through Negros Navigation's 300 sales outlets

nationwide, DOT regional offices, information counters, various ports,

DOT-accredited hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, souvenir shops and

schools, etc.

Dimaampao said officials of the local government units in the region and the

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, local tourism councils and other

related tourism groups, school heads, and students are invited to the

launching rites.

Meanwhile, DOT-Region XII and the city government officials led by Mayor

Muslim G. Sema are now preparing for the celebration of "Cotabato City Day"

on June 20.

Sema and Dimaampao have agreed to work together for the success of the

observance.