INTRAMUROS, Manila – This time Samar was indeed felt.

This was the inspiring comment of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Norma Morrante, after the celebration of Samar Day on December 5 in the occasion of the two week-long WOW Philippines for the Eastern Visayas held at the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila.

“Unlike last year, Samar was in full force this time, with almost all of their officials present to show their support,” Morrante added, as she hope that it signaled the start of the province’s empowerment to pursue a vigorous campaign relative to Samar’s tourism potential.

Samar Governor Milagrosa T. Tan graced the celebration which started about 3 o’clock in the afternoon together with other Samar officials, both from the 1 st and 2 nd districts of Samar.

Congressmen Catalino Figueroa and Reynaldo Uy likewise visited Clamshell 1 on the first day and the 2 nd day of the event, respectively.

At least five mayors actively participated in the event: Mayor Joseph Grey of San Jorge, Mayor Beatriz Tiopes of Sta. Rita, who both furnished m the booth with various promotional materials of their town’s tourist destinations; Mayor Luzviminda Nacario of Calbiga and Mayor Arnold Abalos who led his group to render a part during the program.

Gov. Tan tendered dinner to around 200 Samare ños based in Manila who were invited to joint the Samar Day celebration, which was held right after the opening of the WOW Eastern Visayas on December 4, 2004, the grand opening day.

As hundreds of guest and spectators came during the gala presentation prepared by provincial tourism committee chair Board Member Sonny Salurio, Director Morrante has expressed confidence that Samar’s tourism campaign is starting to gain ground.

Meanwhile, Congressman Uy asked the Department of Tourism to extend funds to the LGUs who are keen in developing their tourism sites, explaining that lack of funds for such endeavor is what hindering the momentum relative to developing their tourist spots and in their campaign to lure tourists.

Director Morrante, however, stressed that developing tourism is not just an overnight activity. “ No matter how infuse funds to develop a particular site, if the community itself is not prepared to corroborate with the agenda relative to the tourism as an income generating activity, said endeavor would be a big loss,” thus community-empowerment regarding tourism should be put into effect by concerned LGUs so that they could gradually profit from it.