TACLOBAN CITY – The Representative of the first congressional district of Leyte said that the provincial government of Leyte has begged off to join the “Best of the regions” in Intramuros, Manila from Dec. 1-15 due to lack of preparations by the Eastern Visayas Tourism Council and the provincial government itself.

Congresswoman Remedios Petilla has expressed her dismay about this including the lack of coordination by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on what Leyte has to project in that showcase affair.

Petilla also added that they were not officially and formally invited by DOT Regional Director Norma Morrante prompting Gov. Jericho Petilla abd herself to decide not to partiicpat in the entire activities although she is reelected chairperson of the Eastern Visayas Tourism Council; (EVTC).

“So the Leyte governor begged off, para ano nga maapi kami nga deri man klarado an preparasyon han Leyte delegation,” Re. Petilla said.

She said her son, Governor Jericho Petilla, cannot just participate without any clear preparations to bring something to Intramuros to attract inventors or tourists to come to Leyte.

“Kinahanglan there should be enough preparations, so that we can project well the best tourist destination in this province,” the lady solon said.

The congresswoman, who serves as governor for three terms before she was elected as member of the House of Representatives, even recalled the preparations she made last year before going to Intramuros staring off with a caravan where Region 8 was recognized as being the most artistic showcase.

Petilla emphasized that the private sectors can join this activities to also showcase their products and other tourist destinations that can help to attract Leyte.

The lady solon admitted that there is personal difference between her and DOT Regional Director Morantte which is the reason why things need coordination to push through with development.

“Diri kami nagkakatugma in a lot of things,” Petilla said.

She explained that Morantte always decline to put all resources into one in the program implementation of the tourism activities.

“That is why I used to step in on some projects without her,” she added.

Petilla also revealed that she already asked DOT Secretary Durano to temporarily assign Morantte to another function or assign “somebody who is dynamic person” and who can work with the office of the first district congressional representative and the provincial government of Leyte.

“They can place Morantte at the DOT central office or even her, but I am asking Sec. Durano to put somebody whom I can work with bisan hin-o it ikanhi,” Petilla said.