"As agents of change, we wanted to make a positive impact in the lives of the people and in the society in general hence our full support to the programs and activities of DOT-12. We envision our region to become among the best destinations, to be known for its beauty and its many wonders amidst stigma and negative perceptions. The DOT 12 under the leadership of Maam Nelly Nita Dillera has been effective as an outstanding partner of our sector in realizing that vision", stated in an open letter addressed to Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo by a group of bloggers and tourism advocates in SOCCSKSARGEN.
On January 4, 2018, the Tourism Secretary issued a memorandum relocating some of the regional directors and other key officials to other regions. Among them is DOT-12 Regional Director Dillera who according to the memorandum will be transferred to Region 8 in the Visayas. They were given seven (7) days to turn over documents to their successors.
"A week’s notice to end the speeding progress of our region’s tourism industry is a deliberate neglect of the converging efforts of all the sectors involved. We have just gained momentum in promoting tourism in the region to become known as one of the best tourist destinations in the country under the leadership of Maam Nelly and we are afraid that her sudden reassignment in this period might have a negative impact to what we have just started.With Maam Nelly’s leadership combined with her passion, dedication, knowledge, and skills, together we can make SOX the best travel destination in the country and eventually change the lives of our people for the better. Maam Nelly has played a vital role in the realization of our vision for the region. She has been one of the reasons for the success of tourism in SOX and her transfer would mean the curtailment of that dream. Letting go of Maam Nelly is like letting go of a dream we have long been longing to fully realize." said the bloggers in their petition.
In a separate petition by another group of tourism stakeholders, they stated some of the reason why RD Dillera should stay in DOT-12:
"We also believe that her replacement will most likely be capable as she is, but like nurturing a child to adulthood, it is best that the mother does it.
We say that because RD Dillera is the mother of tourism in Region 12.
She was, is and continues to guide and nurture tourism industry in Region 12.
Since she became the Regional Director in 2013, her efforts with the LGUs, NGOs and private sector have resulted to much improved tourism industry in SOCCSKSARGEN to wit:
- A lot of tourist destinations are now popular because of strategic campaigns and promotional activities together with stakeholders both from the government and the private sectors
- New tourism products/destinations have been emerging
- Capacity trainings are provided for tourism stakeholders and are all summed up by the dramatic and consistent increased in tourism arrivals
- Accredited establishments increased to 100 from merely 12 in 2013"
Another petition letter stated the following:
"RD Dillera has already laid out all plans for the tourism industry for 2018, and it is with much sadness that the central office decided to relocate her to other region. These plans may not be materialized due to change of leadership."
"I really cannot understand the move to reassign good directors to other regions if they are performing so well on where they are currently assigned. Why stop the good things from happening? Isn't this our aim. And what we want? Ano ba ang intention ng DOT while citing exigencies? I hope it's not to weaken nor paralyze the industry. Otherwise, history will judge Teo as using her Wand for black magic. Tsk." said a netizen.
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