BANTAYOG FESTIVAL 2008
 

Duration   :           March 17 to April 16, 2008

Rationale :

            The tourism industry has made its major contributions to the economic growth and job creation opportunities in the province. Number of tourists that visited the Bicol Region reached 757,501 in 2006, an increase of six percent from the 473,438 in 2005, thus overshooting the same planned target of 5 percent increase in tourist arrival per year.

            Tourism in the region has generated 32,866 jobs in tourism-related establishments, such as hotel, motels, pension houses inns, resorts, restaurants, etc. which  is 99.5 percent of the plan and target of 33,000 jobs for 2005. Since 2004, 112,745 jobs have been created representing 48 percent of the targeted jobs by 2010.

         One of the attributes for this positive result can best be traced to the extensive promotional campaign of the provinces in Bicol such as the BANTAYOG FESTIVAL in the province of Camarines Norte. Festivals such as this have captured the interest of the local people in turning joyous celebration into economic and cultural development

        Bantayog Festival is a province-wide event that showcases numerous activities honoring the martyrdom of Jose Rizal and the pride of being recognized as the first province to erect a monument in honor of our national hero. The festival is a patriotic gesture, a symbol of patriotism, and a show of distinct resources and cultural identity.

            The province of Camarines Norte is envisioned to become a prime tourist destination in the Bicol Region with its well-preserved heritage that can be found in its ancestral houses in Daet & Vinzons with centuries old-churches in various towns, the environment and unspoiled beaches such as that of Bagasbas and Pulang Daga, the resorts such as the Calaguas Group of Islands comparable to that of the Majestic Boracay, the clear dive of aquatic resources into Mercedes Reef and many more. These are with DOT accredited accommodation, strong telecommunication and well-maintained infrastructure system under a private sector, led by government sector, with a local population that emulates Filipino’s natural warmth and hospitality.

        This positive tourism boost in the province should enhance our community in helping tourism-related activities to continue to draw tourists and visitors in Camarines Norte dubbed as a the “Land of Gold and Golden Opportunities”

        The Provincial Tourism Office under the Office of the Governor is the primary agency tasked to encourage, promote and develop tourism as a major socio – economic activity in the province thru the help of both private and public sectors, and taking a leap from the benchmark instituted on the immense success holding of the previous Bantayog Festival, It is by then the Bantayog Festival - 2008 will be continued in a more elaborate and extravagant display of colors, fun and festivities.

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