By Noe Lineses, Tourism Consultant

It has been a year since the inception of the Promotion and Marketing Team, a brainchild of Mayor Rocky D. Ilagan, established in response to the negative publicity surrounding last year’s oil spill. Over the past year, we’ve spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at showcasing Puerto Galera’s pristine state and vibrant culture.

From the Pledge to Plunge campaign, where hundreds donned white t-shirts and took a dip in Puerto Galera’s waters to dispel any notions of an oil spill, to promoting high-profile events such as the Gigi De Lana Concert and reintroducing fire-dancing at White Beach, our team has been relentless in marketing the beauty and charm of our beloved town.

The Aldaw Kapiyaan Festival celebrated our rich cultural heritage, igniting a newfound interest in street food tourism in Muelle. Additionally, the Muelle Singing Contest catapulted the Muelle Cultural Heritage Park to the forefront of Mindoro’s tourist destinations.

Collaborating with SyPhil Entertainment Production, we launched the inaugural Sabang Oktoberfest, further cementing Puerto Galera’s reputation as a premier tourist destination. Our efforts to establish Puerto Galera as the Diving Capital of the Philippines bore fruit, culminating in our success at the PHIDEX 2024 (Philippine International Diving Expo 2024).

Through the creation of promotional materials, including stock photos and videos of our picturesque attractions, we’ve enhanced Puerto Galera’s visibility on a global scale. Furthermore, we’ve modernized our online presence by revamping the website, tourist registration system, and social media channels.
Our success wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable contributions of Bern Joseph Persia, affectionately known as BekiMon, whose exceptional content on our Facebook page and event hosting elevated our endeavors.

While we’ve achieved much, we acknowledge the collaborative efforts of other local government offices, particularly the Tourism Office and the Mayor’s Office, in realizing our goals.

As we reflect on the recent triumph of the Holy Week events, we express our gratitude to everyone involved, especially Beki Mon, who has returned to the private sector. The continuity of our team hinges on the trust and confidence of Mayor Rocky D. Ilagan.

I joined this team driven not by personal gain, but by a shared love for Puerto Galera and a belief in our ability to effect positive change. Thank you, Mayor Rocky D. Ilagan, for entrusting us with the opportunity to serve our community and advance Puerto Galera’s tourism sector.