November 5, 2017

Mayor Neil E. Lizares III, with honored guests Department of Tourism Region VI Director Ma. Fe Jimenea, Provincial Tourism Officer Cristine Mansinares, assisted by Sangguniang Panglunsod Members Carl Lizares, Randy Ereñeta and Zenia Astorga led the ribbon cutting and the blessing and inauguration of the City of Talisay's Visitors Information Center with Rev. Father Demelliones, OAR blessing the new edifice.

Mayor Neil E. Lizares III assisted by DOT Region VI Director Ma. Fe Jimenea officially cut the ribbon at the Blessing and Inauguration of the City of Talisay Visitors Information Center. On the side is Provincial Tourism Officer Cristine Mansinares (standing right) SPM Zenia Astorga (standing left) standing behind from left, is SPM Carl Lizares and SPM Randy Ereñeta

The Visitor’s Information Center is a Bottom-Up-Budgeting Project of the City of Talisay under the Department of Tourism. It has a total project amount of P1M. The P900,000.00 of which is subsidized by the national government and the remaining P100, 000.00 is the City’s counterpart. It has a total floor area of 51.5 sq. m., which started its construction last June of 2017. The building is now open to public and ready to accept visitors and inquiries as it was blessed and inaugurated last November 5, 2017.

Keychains displayed in the Visitors Information Center, crafted by Talisaynon artist

According to Maam Ma. Fe Jimenea, Department of Tourism, Region VI Director,  Talisay City is the only city in the Province of Negros Occidental to have a project like the Visitors Information Center which main purpose is to provide visiting tourists easy access to the city's tourists attractions, the best and affordable bed and dining accommodations and all their other needs while paying a visit in the city.

Some of the handicrafts displayed in the showroom

Part of the center will be designated as the City of Talisay's Showroom. This area will be the home of Talisay's beautifully handcrafted items, delicious delicacies and other products showcasing Talisaynons' skills, talents, artistry and creativity.

The Center will open opportunities for Talisay City's Tourism industry to flourish and will serve as an avenue for Talisaynon artists to be known and acknowledged not just locally but globally as well Thus, having the center, Mayor Neil is optimistic that City of Talisay will be making a mark in the field of tourism and craftsmanship locally and internationally.

Souvenir items handcrafted by Talisaynon artist displayed at the showroom

Expected guests in today's ceremony are some of the big names and personalities in Talisay City's Tourism industry namely; Mr. Raymund Javellana of the Ruins, Mr. Roselmo Ledesma of Sunvalley Resort, Mr. Vicente Guerrero of Guerrero Farm and Nature Park, Mr. Adrian Lizares of Balay ni Tana Dicang, Mr. Alvin Carranza of Melbas Farm, Mr. Ralph Richard Tan of Campuestohan Highland Resort, Ms. Joan Javellana of ELG Camp Learning Center, Mr. Ervin Anglo of Kampo Hiyang Hiyang Resort, Ms. Sheila Arellano Go and Ms. Therese Borromeo of Ayala Land Corp, Ma. Fe Gemenia of Department of Tourism Region VI, Raymund Alunan and Ernest Ola, Also present were Assistant City Administrator Ismael Penado, Marlyn Simondo, Gil Cordero, Executive Assistants Dan Tribaco and Dr. Frances Mae Llamas and Elizabeth Mosquera of the City Social and Development Office.

Guests in the blessing and inauguration of the Visitors Information Center. Standing from left is Mr. Raymund Alunan, Ernest Ola, DOT Region VI Representative, Ma. Fe Jimenea,Provincial Tourism Officer, Christine Mansinares, Talisay City Asst. City Administrator, Ismael Penado, Executive Assistant for Promotions, Dr. Frances Mae Llamas and City of Talisay Tourism Officer, Mrs. Renea Ferrer

The Visitor's Information Center will be under the supervision of the City Tourism Office headed by City Tourism Officer Renea Ferrer.

MR. CHUCK DIAZ
TalisayPublic Information Officer/EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT II
MOBILE PHONE NO. 0943 - 4250835
           
Story by:  LUNIE SENERES
Photo by:  JONAZ DELLEVA and LEO S. JAYME