Page 45 - OGA 2017

Outstanding Governorship
Outstanding Governorship Award 2017Award 2017

SPARK UNITY:

Community Support and Acceptance

The continued growth of the tourism industry of the province is one
SPARK OUTCOMES indicator that the programs of the Provincial Government have the support
Governor Tan engages with the stakeholders in the development and and acceptance of the community. Samarnons are known to be difficult
promotions of tourism products and services. She makes sure that she is to convince. Many are nay-sayers. But since Governor Tan launched the
present in most site visits and product assessment, ensures the provision Spark Samar Campaign and the Development Framework, many have
of required infrastructure, gears, equipment, and even working capital. been convinced that tourism is indeed the right path for the province.
She gives time to discuss and address concerns of the stakeholders. In numerous interviews with members of the Peoples Organizations,
For these reasons, the tourism services have improved, arrivals many of them have verbalized their gratitude for having been part of
increased, rate of being able to meet tourist satisfaction has increased tourism development in Samar. Many say that from being either supporter
and income earnings of the Peoples Organizations and their members of rebels or being part of illegal activities like logging and dynamite fishing,
were felt. most of them have transformed to become responsible members of the
She is a believer that the Samarnons are the most important resource community, having now become champions of mother nature.
of the province, the Provincial Government has always supported if not Another indicator of acceptance and support is the fact that many
initiated capacity building programs for tourism workers and stakeholders. municipal government and communities have already verbalized to
Governor Tan their desires to be part of the Tourism Development Plan or
be involved in tourism by providing services along the value chain.

KEEPING THE SPARK ALIVE

To keep our SPARK burning, the Governor is requesting for support from all Samarnons,
they may instill pride of place, and help her in attaining their dream of a better SAMAR!
This project will prosper when there is a champion, and the champion is the Local Chief
Executive, and for Samar, she is Governor Sharee Ann Tan.

43