Koronadal, South Cotabato (16 October) -- Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph Felix H. Durano inducted the new set of officers of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (ATOP) during the closing program of its 3-day national convention last October 6, 2006 held at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center.

Secretary Durano inducted 10 executive officers and 16 regional representatives of ATOP who will serve for 2 years starting next year. Kinatawan Jose Falcon, who is the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee Chair on Tourism & Trade and Industry, formally introduced Durano.

In his short message, Durano bannered the tourism department’s accomplishment especially the 21 percent increase of tourist arrivals in the country. He also broke the good news that effective November 1 this year, there will be 2 direct international flights from Macau and Inchun, South Korea to Davao City that will bring at least 4,000 foreign tourists in Mindanao.

Durano likewise congratulated both the outgoing and incoming Presidents of the association.

Dea I. Que, outgoing National President delivered her valedictory address before the formal turn-over of the association’s gavel to Jennylind Cordero, the incoming President.

Cordero likewise delivered her inaugural speech.

Presidential awards were received by ATOP’s Outstanding Tourism Officers namely; Edna Amat, Josephine Orosca, Cesar Sulit Jr., Jennylind Cordero and Norberto Archangel.

The outgoing national president also awarded Malabon City for being the “Early Bird” among the delegates, Aurora province as the “Farthest Delegate” Tanauan City as the “Biggest Delegation” (46 delegates) and Hall of Fame for Benguet for arriving with a big number of delegates for three (3) consecutive years.