BACOLOD CITY, Jan. 28 (PNA) — Rep. Evelio Leonardia here has filed House Bill 4702 which seeks to create a Negros Island Tourism Office to coordinate the tourism offices of the two provinces in the island and could usher in the one-island region proposal.
House Bill 4702 was initially discussed in a committee hearing in Congress Wednesday.
“While we still continue to lobby for the one-island region, creating one tourism office for the entire island of Negros can proceed,” the solon said.
The Leonardia proposal also seeks to appropriate funds for the one-island tourism office’s operation.
“There is no law that can stop us from creating the island-wide tourism office. We do not have to wait for the creation of a one-island-region,” he added.
A single office for the island will accelerate tourism development and promotion, Leonardia said, adding that he has been advocating the idea way back in the 80s, when he was still the provincial executive of the Department of Tourism for Negros Occidental.
“Even way back then, it was obvious to us that the two provinces can benefit enormously from a consolidation of their tourism efforts,” Leonardia added.
The lawmaker said it will also be more cost-efficient, not just to the national government but also to the local governments if there is an office that will promote tourism for the island.
Meanwhile, the idea of building a tower for Pope Francis in Bacolod was presented by Leonardia to Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle when they met Monday in Bacolod.
This, after the legislator suggested that the cardinal include the city in the Papal itinerary should Pope Francis return to the Philippines next year.
“Our faithful led by businessman Sammy Palanca built the St. John Paul II Tower at the reclaimed area to commemorate his visit to Bacolod in 1981,” Leonardia told Tagle.
“I’m sure we can build another one if Pope Francis visits Bacolod, too and make that landmark our very own “Twin Towers,” he added.
Leonardia said Tagle smiled, and told him, “We will see.” (PNA)