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REGIONAL Director Patria Aurora ?Dawnie? Roa will head the Department of Tourism in Central Visayas (DOT-7) for another three months, in part due to preparations leading to this year's Sinulog festivities.
Tourism Secretary Joseph ?Ace? Durano confirmed this yesterday, saying his original recommendation of a six-month extension for Roa to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo would be served in full.
His recommendation was cut short by three months, giving Roa only until Jan. 8.
Roa was designated as acting chief of the Office of the Secretary in Cebu (OSEC-Cebu) since last Oct. 8, Durano said.
Durano said the additional three months would benefit Central Visayas and ease the transition for Roa's replacement, Maria Rica Bueno who was designated acting tourism regional director.
Roa introduced Bueno as her successor in an 888 forum held last Dec. 8 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
She said Bueno is equally competitive and knows her job very well.
Bueno heads the Team Asia Pacific handling the tourism planning and promotions of DOT.
Bueno said she is familiar with the region, having travelled extensively throughout Central Visayas as part of her job in the agency's planning and development division.
Bueno said she finds Cebu an ideal destination for meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions or MICE due to its pristine white sand beaches and abundant commercial establishments like business hotels.
Roa was rumored to be filling in for Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo, who retired late last year.
She, however, denied this, saying she plans to enjoy her retirement.
Tourism stakeholders welcomed Roa's extension.
Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu president Marco Protacio said it would be good for Roa to complete the remaining projects of her tenure with Bueno to effect a smoother transition.
Jenny Franco, Cebu chapter president of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies said they also welcome the second extension of Roa's tenure./Business Reporter Aileen Garcia-Yap
