DIGITAL TOURISM PUSH. Social Media Manager Rolly A. Abelon presents the Digital Tourism Ecosystem for Marketing and Promotions of Zambales during the Tourism Legislative Forum on Oct. 6, highlighting the role of digital platforms, storytelling and online engagement in promoting the province’s tourism destinations.
Photo by: Zambales Tourism
CASTILLEJOS, Zambales — The Municipality of Castillejos took center stage in efforts to strengthen Zambales’ tourism industry as it hosted the Tourism Legislative Forum on Oct. 6, bringing together local tourism officials, legislators, industry stakeholders and law enforcement representatives.
Hosted by the municipality through Mayor Jeffrey D. Khonghun, the forum served as a venue for local governments and tourism partners to align programs, address emerging concerns and identify measures to make Zambales a safer and more competitive tourism destination.
The event was spearheaded by Maria Domitela D. Mora, Provincial Government Department Head of the Provincial Tourism and Investment Promotions Office (PTIPO).
Photo by: Zambales Tourism
Among those who participated were Sangguniang Bayan tourism leaders, municipal tourism officers, tourism stakeholders, the Police Tourist Unit and other tourism partners from across the province.
Discussions covered the Tourism Situationer and Arrivals, Tourism Awards, the Provincial Tourism Code and Tourism Plan, Dinamulag 2027 activities and events, and the El Niño Preparedness Plan.
Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Kevin Lesaca Nacabuan presented the provincial tourism updates and preparedness measures, while FoZTA President Gerald M. Cabauatan discussed the association’s initiatives to strengthen cooperation among tourism stakeholders.
The Tourism Police Unit also presented its organizational structure and tourism-related programs, particularly initiatives aimed at improving tourist safety and addressing drowning incidents in tourism destinations.
Digital tourism was likewise highlighted, with Social Media Manager Rolly A. Abelon presenting the Digital Tourism Ecosystem for Marketing and Promotions of Zambales, emphasizing the use of digital platforms, storytelling and online engagement in expanding the province’s tourism market.
Mora, in her synthesis, emphasized collaboration, tourist safety, capacity building and future tourism projects, including the proposed creation of a Creative Unit Group to strengthen tourism marketing and communications.
The forum also gave municipal tourism officers an opportunity to raise concerns and propose solutions, underscoring Castillejos’ role as a venue for stronger provincial coordination in developing Zambales’ tourism sector.