MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)—Department of Tourism (DOT)-10 Regional Director Marie Elaine S. Unchuan said during the opening of the ‘9th Kuyamis Festival and Taho sa Katawhan’ that Misamis Oriental is now a key component in both inter-and intra-regional tourism circuit development.

“For the past five years, we always stood in awe as we visited many tourism gems of Misamis Oriental. While exploring the province, we have made new and amazing discoveries creating possibilities which have made the province rise to its full potential as a tourism hub that is worthy of international renown,” Unchuan said.

Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano has likewise emphasized that tourism is one of his administration's flagship programs that has paved the way for the tourism industry to flourish and be recognized nationally.

The tourism chief, thus, said the province has a lot of potential as a tourism hub in the region because of the beauty that nature provides, as well as the wonderful people and hospitality that they extend to everyone. The tourism gems she said had left DOT Region 10 in awe as they continued to explore its majestic spots over the years.

Aside from tourist attractions, the DOT chief also lauded the province for promoting agri-tourism, citing industries such as the Oolong Tea Plantation, which has made Gingoog City the Tea Capital of the Philippines, coffee farms in Claveria, silkworm farms in Villanueva, and many more. Farmers and stakeholders now have more income options available to them.

Unchuan believes that by empowering the tourism industry and developing more destinations and tourism establishments, the province will be able to provide further growth and livelihood to communities as tourism reopens its doors to tourists.

With all of these opportunities and natural resources, the tourism department thanked the provincial government for making tourism a flagship program dubbed 'Explore MisOr,' which led to the successful development of a world-class tourism destination with the intent not only to share the beauty of the province but also to preserve its pristine beauty and promote sustainable tourism. (JAKA/PIA-10)