Aquino officially declares 2015 as ‘Visit the Philippines Year’

By: Kristine Angeli Sabillo - 9 years ago

SCREENGRAB from phl2015.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com

President Benigno Aquino III has officially declared 2015 as “Visit the Philippines Year” (VPY) through a presidential proclamation.

Proclamation No. 991, signed March 31, directs all government agencies to collaborate in hosting events to attract tourists and other foreign visitors.

It requires concerned agencies to submit their list of relevant activities to the Department of Tourism (DOT) and to use the so-called VPY 2015 logo in their promotional materials. A special stamp will also be released.

Aquino, in the proclamation, said the Philippine hosting of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) this year and of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Tourism Forum in 2016 will “serve as a venue to promote the country as a host for meetings, conventions, and exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific.”

He pointed out that “there is a need to consolidate the activities and products of the public and private sectors into one Calendar of Events” in order to showcase the culture, historical treasures and “natural wonders” of the country.

DOT has earlier announced the government’s campaign for 2015. Its website already showcases the new logo and stamp design for Visit the Philippines Year.