Tourism students go green in annual confab

October 18, 2011

“Green is in; I.N. is green,” was the catchy tagline of the 14th Annual Convention and Exhibit organized by the CBEA tourism students, Sept. 23-24.

The opening program held at the Teatro Ilocandia was keynoted by Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos. Presenting the tourism projects in the pipeline, she said that while Ilocos Norte is rich in natural resources, much need to get done  to boost tourist arrivals and generate income. The governor reiterated her vision to promote a “a multi-faceted, family-driven tourism of sand and wind sports adventure, heritage, and gastro-tourism,” in contrast to the casino-dependent model in years past. She also highlighted Ilocos Norte’s distinction, here in the country and in the Southeast Asian region, as model in the use of renewable energy. Provincial Board Member Portia R. Salenda, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Tourism, also delivered an inspirational message.   

The Teatro Ilocandia was at its majestic best, thanks to the artistry, creativity, and good taste of the organizers. Governor Marcos, who also cut the ribbon of a mini-exhibit on tourist destinations, expressed delight at the ornate hall decoration, which included miniature windmill models.

In the plenary sessions, Ms. Karima Patricia V. Palafox, senior urban planner at the top architecture firm Palafox and  Associates, did a presentation on “Green Technology on Tourism Infrastructures.” Other speakers were: Provincial Board Member Mariano V. Marcos II, “Green Tourism and Ilocos Norte Environment Code”; Director  Asterio P. Saliot of the Agricultural Training Institute, “ Role of Green Technology in Agri-Tourism”; and Engr. Julius C. Orpia, senior mechanical engineer at the Northwind Power Deveopment Corp., “Wind Energy and Ilocos Norte Tourism.”

The participants were billeted at the Plaza del Norte, formerly Ilocos Norte Hotel and Covention Center.  On the second day, a fun run was held in Laoag City, followed by a study tour in the northern part of the province.  Among the places visited were the Bangui Windmills, the Bangui Bay Coastal Clean-up site, the Bangui Windmill Farm, the Hydro Electric Power Plant in Pagudpud, and the Refmad Dragon Fruit Farm in Burgos.

The two-day undertaking is a project of the Convention Management Class led by Lea Meriel E. Pascua under the supervision of Ms. Cherie B. Orpia.