Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Cristina Frasco clarified on Thursday that there was no intention to exclude Mayon Volcano of Albay Province in the country's newly-released tourism promotional video.
"There was no intention to exclude whatsoever. In fact, 'yung direktiba ng ating Presidente [Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.] is to be inclusive, to really allow tourism to reach the farthest reaches of the country," Frasco said in an interview during DZRH's Dos Por Dos.
"Bigyan natin ng pagkakataon 'yung ating mga local government units, mga probinsya, cities and municipalities, pati na rin ang ating mga tourism communities na ma-highlight," she added.
This was Frasco's reaction after Albay 2nd District Rep. Jose Ma. 'Joey' Salceda expressed his disappointment for not including the majestic perfect-cone of Mount Mayon in the new tourism promotional video.
"I express this frustration because tourism is disproportionately more crucial in Albay, and Bicol at large. This is how thousands of Albayano families make a living. It would not have cost much to include just a scene of Mayon, but it would have meant the world to Albay families relying on tourism for their bread and butter," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
But the DOT Secretary assured that the new promotional video "is only the beginning" and that more promotional videos will be released soon.
"Pulitiko rin po ako kasi naging Mayor tayo Liloan. Parang kampanya, opening salvo pa lang 'yan. Hindi pa miting de avance kaya we understand the excitment of everyone. We are very happy that the response of the Filipino people has been very positive," Frascco said.
She then extended her love to her friend, Salceda.
"He has been a staunch ally of tourism and certainly, we recognized and acknowledge the value of Mayon as well as the people of Albay in terms of their contribution to the country and tourism," the DOT Secretary said.
