Faith tourism eyed in Central Visayas

• Source: http://old.philstar.com/cebu-news/2018/01/10/1776401/faith-tourism-eyed-central-visayas
• Wednesday, January 10, 2018 12:00 am

By Lorraine Mitzi A. Ambrad with Ashlee Love Marzon (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) eyes faith tourism as one of the possible areas they can explore to heighten the arrivals in the region according to DOT-7 Acting Director Shalimar Hofer Tamano.

“She (DOT SecretaryWanda Corazon Teo) wants the region to be active with the Sinulog, more active this year. She will visit Cebu and the region, more often than before. She is more interested in faith tourism,” he said.

Region VII is among the regions in the country with many old churches constructed during the Spanish colonial times.

The buildings served not only as a rendezvous point for the faithful but also for those who want to learn more about the Filipino history, colonial architecture, and take good photos.

“We’ll do something in the churches of Bohol and in Cebu Province,” Tamano added.

Tamano who is from the DOT head office is now serving as the acting regional director of DOT-7.

His predecessor, Joshua Judd Lanete, resigned from his post early this year citing health concerns as reason for leaving.

In the country, Batangas is one of the provinces which promoted faith tourism as tourists constantly visit its famous pilgrimage sites during Holy Week.

Another is the City of Antipolo that has been known to be the country’s pilgrimage capital because of its Marian image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo Cathedral.

The place has also developed its faith tourism through its trekking from the Quiapo Church to the shrine of Virgin of Antipolo on the eves of Good Friday.

In the western Visayas, Bacolod is also promoting its spiritual healers which they believed as one of the attractions under the faith tourism concept.

Tamano has also mentioned that Secretary Teo wants DOT to contribute more to Cebu’s Sinulog celebration.

“She told me she wants to join the Sinulog. She also wants to meet the private sectors,” Tamano added referring to Teo.