Bohol Vice Governor Victor Balite
In an unexpected turn of events at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) International Conference on Women in Travel, Bohol Vice Governor Victor Balite faced criticism for his speech which touched on sensitive topics of prostitution in Thailand.
Unaware of the presence of Thai delegates and the live streaming of the event, his remarks were deemed inappropriate and insensitive, sparking immediate backlash from attendees.
The situation was promptly addressed by Governor Aris Aumentado, who stepped in to offer apologies to the participants, mitigating the impact of the Vice Governor’s contentious address.
The conference, held at Be Grand Resort in Panglao, was otherwise marked by a significant keynote speech from Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco.
She highlighted the Philippines’ strides towards a competitive, resilient, and sustainable tourism industry, as outlined in the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028.
Secretary Frasco emphasized the importance of gender equality in the sector’s growth, noting the remarkable resilience and competitiveness demonstrated by the Philippine tourism industry, especially in the face of the pandemic’s challenges.
With international tourism receipts in 2023 reaching an estimated Php 482 billion, far surpassing the target, the sector has been a source of over 5.35 million jobs, providing vital livelihood opportunities.
In her speech, Frasco also shared personal insights into the challenges of balancing professional responsibilities with caregiving duties, a reality faced by many women in leadership roles.
The DOT reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality during the conference, ensuring that the sustainability of the tourism sector goes hand-in-hand with advancing women’s rights and opportunities.