Senators welcome appointment of new tourism secretary Jimenez

MANILA, Philippines—Two senators on Thursday welcomed the appointment of incoming Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez.

Senator Lito Lapid said Jimenez’s wide experience in advertising would be a big boost to the country’s campaign to become a top tourism destination.

“Sana ay ipagpatuloy niya ang mga magagandang nasimulan ni Secretary Bertie Lim at asahan niya ang aking tulong sa mga programa para mapag ibayo ang pagpapakilala ng mga magagandang tanawin sa Pilipinas (I hope that he will continue the nice projects that Secretary Bertie Lim [who resigned effective August 31] had initiated and rest assured that he [Jimenez] has my support for his programs to promote the beautiful destinations in the Philippines,” he said in a statement.

Lapid’s son Mark is chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said Jimenez’s expertise in advertising would help much in the country’s effort to attract international tourists.

“We welcome the appointment of ad industry executive Mon Jimenez as the new DoT Secretary. He is well respected in the industry and was a highly successful agency CEO,” Pangilinan said in a text message.—Maila Ager, INQUIRER.net