LGU-Butuan crafts tourism code to bolster economy
By Renelle
Luzon Escuadro
BUTUAN
CITY – Butuan City Councilor Eduardo S. Gonzales, who is also the chairperson
of the Committee on Tourism, recently presented the first-ever Butuan City
Tourism Code through City Ordinance No. 7048-2023.
The
presentation was made during the recent first quarter coordination meeting of
the Butuan City Tourism Council, together with the members of the Butuan City
Tourism Code technical working group (TWG).
Gonzales
thanked all the members of the tourism council and TWG for their
contribution in the drafting of the Butuan City Tourism Code which will
significantly shape and strengthen the different tourism portfolio of the city.
“Butuan
City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada already signed the city ordinance. This
ordinance was created primarily to develop the economy of the place through
investment and job opportunities,” the councilor underscored.
He cited
tourism as key to further bolster economy and that tourism participates in a
city's growth and development, primarily by bringing in multiple economic
values and benefits.
“The city
government is closely working with the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs
Department, together with Committee on Tourism and this council to strengthen
our collaboration with line agencies of the government, private sector, tourism
contributors and stakeholders to improve the tourism industry of the city,”
Gonzales added.
Also,
Richard Dian-Vilar, acting department head of the City Tourism and Cultural
Affairs Department formally introduced their department to the participants.
"By
virtue of SP Ordinance No. 7000, series of 2023, the City Tourism and Cultural
Affairs Department was created, from the previous City Tourism
Office," Vilar announced.
The
convergence of the members of the tourism council and TWG will continue during
the crafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Butuan City
Tourism Code.
The Butuan City Tourism Code is part of the Race 16:16, an initiative of the Butuan City legislative to establish 16 significant codes for the city of Butuan. (RLE/PIA-Caraga)