NEGROS ORIENTAL—Over 100 public information officers (PIOs) and tourism officers from the Central Visayas region will gather from September 4 to 6 to explore their roles in advancing peace and fostering sustainable tourism development.
According to Philippines News Agency, PIA-Negros Oriental information center manager, the 26th regional convention organized by the Regional Association of Development Information Officers 7 (RADIO-7) and the Philippine Information Agency in Region 7 (PIA-7) will focus on “Communicating the Government’s Peace Agenda to Push for Sustainable Tourism Development and Beyond.” PIA Director General Jose Torres Jr. is slated to open the summit with a speech emphasizing the critical role of PIOs in promoting peace and development initiatives.
The convention will feature notable speakers including Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Secretary Frasco will discuss strategies for integrating peace and development to enhance the tourism sector in Central Visayas. Commodore Tarriela will provide an update on the status of the WPS and the Philippine government’s policy on the issue, followed by a press conference.
Additionally, Commodore Tarriela is scheduled to meet with political science and foreign affairs students at Silliman University in Dumaguete City on Thursday afternoon, further engaging the academic community in discussions on regional security and development issues.