Magpale still provincial tourism committee head

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale will stay as head of the Provincial Tourism committee.

This after Governor Hilario Davide III prevented her from vacating the post.

Magpale said that Provincial Tourism Officer Joselito “Boboi” Costas also visited her office on Friday to personally apologize for “misunderstandings” that stemmed from their different priorities in the implementation of provincial tourism program.

Costas, Magpale said, made a commitment to also promote Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (Mice) in Cebu, something that she has been advocating for.

“Mice and ecotourism campaign can go hand in hand. He came here in my office not only to apologize, but he also promised to rethink about Mice tourism because some hoteliers have visited me and started expressing their concerns,” the vice governor said.

In a separate interview, Costas said that issues between her and Magpale should not hinder the implementation of provincial tourism programs.
He is asking tourism stakeholders and the public to put the matter to rest and move forward.

“We (Vice Governor Magpale and I) will keep our communication lines open for the good of Cebu province. Let’s keep moving forward,” said Costas.

Magpale announced on Thursday her plans of vacating the chairmanship of the provincial tourism committee because of Costas’ lack of coordination with her office.