Aklan Provincial Tourism Council

Ms. Vicky Ramos Antonino was elected co-chairperson of the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council in an organizational meeting presided by Governor Carlito S. Marquez. The meeting was held at the conference room of the Provincial Governor on Wednesday afternoon, July 22, 2009.

The organization of the Provincial Tourism Council is in implementation of the General Ordinance No. 2009-003, "An Ordinance Enacting The Tourism Code of Aklan". This code was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan on April 2, 2009. It was also approved by Gov. Carlito S. Marquez.

Among other provisions, Article IV mandates the creation of the "Aklan Provincial Tourism Council (APTC) which shall be the highest coordinating and policy formulating body on tourism in the province".

As authorized by Article IV, Section 11, this APTC is composed of 40 members. It is headed by the Provincial Governor as chairperson and the Vice Governor of Aklan as vice chairperson. The other members come form various organizations in Aklan involved in the tourism industry. Of these 40 members, 60 percent or 24 will come from the private sector and 40 percent or 16 from government.

Under Section II. B, the members of the APTC will elect seen (7) members from among themselves to constitute as the Board of Directors.

After a brief discussion during the meeting, it was agreed that the members elect their Board of Directors members.

Since the chairperson and the vice chairperson are already given in the name of Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Governor Billie V. Calizo-Quimpo respectively, only five (5) members will be elected. Moreover, Gov. Marquez requested the members present to give him the benefit of selecting a person of his trust, confidence, and choice for the position of co-chairperson. Everybody in the meeting agreed as there was no negative reaction on the request. Ms. Vicky Ramos Antonino was then elected co-chairperson.

The election for the remaining four (4) members of the Board proceeded. Seven (7) members were nominated. The following were elected by secret balloting. Ms. Erlinda Quimpo Fernandez Wilson who represents Boracay Foundation, Inc. (BFI); Mr. Bong Tirol of Shangrila Hotel, Mr. Albert Meñez of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Tourism Council and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente of the media.

The Provincial Tourism office then was requested to serve as Council Secretariat. Some priority activities were lined up like the preparation of Implemen-ting Rules and Regulation, and the creation of relevant committees. /MP