PILI, CAMARINES SUR -- Tourism officers from local government units (LGUs) nationwide push for the regularization of their jobs as they held their national assembly here.

        Jennylind D. Cordero, president of Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (Atop), told the Bicol Mail they are pushing the regularization of the position of tourism officials in first class cities and municipalities and local government units with tourism thrust.

        Cordero rued that the devolution has marginalized the position of the tourism officers all over the country with only half of the 77 provinces with tourism offices.

        She said that the Philippines has great tourism potentials but there is no permanent position for tourism officers who will lead and coordinate tourism plans and activities.

        Cordero revealed that since the 12th Congress up to the present 14th Congress they have lobbied congressman to pass a bill that would professionalize tourism officials.

        She said that Congressman Edgar Chato has filed House Bill 202 that seeks to make permanent the position of tourism officials in the LGU.

        Cordero said that Atop has reinforced their initiatives because they could easily meet or coordinate with each other on tourism concerns.

        “It is no doubt that tourism is an economic booster so that the creation of permanent position for tourism officials becomes imperative,” she declared.