Aquino declares 2015 ‘Visit the Philippines Year’

Natashya Gutierrez

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Aquino declares 2015 ‘Visit the Philippines Year’
This, as the Philippines prepares to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in 2015, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Tourism Forum (ATF) in 2016

VISIT THE PHILIPPINES. President Benigno Aquino declares 2015 as 'Visit the Philippines Year.' Pictured is Legazpi City and the scenic Mayon volcano. Photo by Rhaydz Barcia/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – The year 2015 is now officially “Visit the Philippines Year (VPY 2015).”

President Benigno Aquino III made the declaration through Proclamation Number 991 dated March 30 but released only on Wednesday, April 8.

“Tourism can be used to mobilize resources for enhancing infrastructure and product development, generate employment, and stimulate investments,” Aquino said in issuing Proclamation 991.

Proclamation 991 mandates all government agencies to inform the Department of Tourism (DOT) of their international and local events and activities

It also calls on the private sector involved in the travel business to support VPY 2015 by developing tour programs and packages; public and private schools to initiate projects related to the theme; and government agencies to cooperate with the DOT. 

In issuing the proclamation, Aquino cited the Philippine hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit and related meetings in 2015, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Forum (ATF) in 2016.

“Both serve as a venue to promote the country as a host for Meetings, Conventions, and Exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific,” Aquino said in Proclamation 991.

He also cited the need to consolidate the activities and products of the government and the private sector into a single “Calendar of Events” that will feature the best work of Filipinos in the performing arts, sports and adventure, business, and history and culture. 

This “calendar,” Aquino said, will also “unveil the many historic treasures, natural wonders, and unforgettable adventures of the country.”

Below is a copy of the full proclamation.

Proclamation No. 991

– Rappler.com

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Natashya Gutierrez

Natashya is President of Rappler. Among the pioneers of Rappler, she is an award-winning multimedia journalist and was also former editor-in-chief of Vice News Asia-Pacific. Gutierrez was named one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders for 2023.