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MANILA, (PIA) -- President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday highlighted that Filipinos are the country’s greatest asset that he can be proud of as they are in the frontline in promoting the country’s destinations to foreign visitors, potential stakeholders, and other countries.

“The greatest asset that we have in the Philippines are the one hundred and seven million Filipinos who are a young, well-trained workforce, who are as kind of people, as hospitable of people, as gracious of people, as you will find anywhere in the world," the President said in his speech to keynote the Philippine Tourism Industry Convergence Reception in Pasay City.

“I am confident because I have said this many many times that there is no warmer, no poignant sight than the smile of a Filipino, and that is something we can introduce to the world,” he said.

Marcos also vowed that his administration will be committed to supporting the tourism sector to keep up with the changing times.

“Allow me to repeat, under this administration, the government will remain committed to ensuring that the inputs you have acquired from your listening tours will be optimized for the benefit of the sector," he said.

“We want one of the key players in our nation’s progress to be buzzing once again with life stronger than ever so that they will be able to keep up with these fast moving times,” he added.

He, likewise, pushed for the revitalization of the local tourism industry, and said he wanted to reintroduce the Philippines to the world through publicity and infrastructure development.

The Chief Executive also expressed confidence his administration’s goal for the tourism sector will be successful through the leadership of tourism chief Christina Frasco and other government agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Vice President Sara Duterte, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Congressional Representatives Sandro Marcos and Duke Frasco, other government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps were also present in the event. (PIA-NCR)