Camarines Norte guv pushes for Daet Airport rehab to boost its tourism industry

Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte “Dong” R. Padilla  is pushing for the e rehabilitation of Daet Airport in order to boost the tourism industry in the province.

He emphasized this  during the Governor’s Night, a culminating activity for the 19th Bantayog Festival held at the Agro-Sports Center, provincial capitol here, May 8, Monday. 

He said that the  P225 million  budget will be sourced from the Department of Tourism (DOTr). He added that  Senator Robin Padilla and the provincial government will also help to realize the project. The  flights will be initially provided by Cebu Pacific.

"During the “Bantayog Festival” it was always observed that the local tourists only visited Camarines Norte, unlike other festivals in the country namely Penagbenga, Kadayawan, Sinulog among others where foreign tourists joined in the celebrations," he said.

One of the dilemmas of the tourists  if they intend to visit the  province is its accessibility  due to the non-availability of the airport.

“Once we have an airport, we will be marked with fame and [ we can promote our] famous tourist destinations in the country,” Gov. Padilla said.

The Calaguas Island is a popular attraction in the province, drawing both domestic and international tourists.

The province is also home to pristine beaches. One of those is the Bagasbas Beach which is also known for surfing activities. Several surfing and kiteboarding activities were also held in the town of Daet during the previous “Pinyasan Festival”.

The famous first Rizal Monument in the Philippines is also located in the town of Daet . 

Provincial Govt awards 100th commemorative stamp

The culminating activity was highlighted by the fireworks display at the capitol grounds and the awarding of the commemorative stamp of the 100th Founding Anniversary of the province for the year 1920-2020.

Governor Padilla congratulated all  the department heads of the provincial government, national government agencies, and the local chief executives of the towns, the business sector and other stakeholders for the successful conduct of the 19th Bantayog Festival. 

The provincial government through the Provincial Tourism Operations Office also awarded plaques of appreciation and tokens to businesses, organizations, and individuals who supported the month-long activities.

Two (2) offices of the legislative district, local government units of the towns, and the government agencies in the province particularly the PIA, DTI, PPC, DILG, DAR, CNWD/PCWN, CSC, DICT, PhilHealth, DepEd, LTO, DA, DPWH, NIA, NFA, PSA, BJMP,BFAR, SSS, COA, DENR, DOJ-PPO, DOLE, PNP-CNPPO, CANORECO, CNSC, TESDA, 902nd IF 9ID Phil Army and BIR  received the 100th commemorative stamp. 

The provincial government’s offices like PHO, Museum, Archives and Shrine Curation Division, Sanguniang Panlalawigan, and Camarines Norte Provincial Office also received the same commemorative stamp.

The culminating program was also graced by Vice Governor Engr. Joseph V. Ascutia, the Sanguniang Panlalawigan Members, 11 Local Chief Executives from various LGUs,  National Government Agencies (NGAs) and GOCCs provincial directors/chiefs, business establishments, and civic organizations representatives.

Various activities were held during the monthlong celebration from April 7-May 7,  which made it one of the most successful and memorable events of the year.

This year’s theme for the 19th Bantayog Festival is “Progresibong Turismo, Tayo Mismo!. (RBManlangit-PIA5/Camarines Norte)