University of San Carlos School of Law & Governance Department of Political Science

EAST ASIA INTER-REGIONAL TOURISM FORUM: A Learning Experience By: FLORLEANE A. SACARES| AB POSC IV

Last September 14-16, 2011, the Province of Cebu was the host for the annual East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum. The theme of the international summit was, Celebrating 12 years of cooperation and commitment. This international organization is a product of the collective effort of East Asian countries for the promotion of tourism of the member provinces, namely: Cebu, Philippines; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Gangwon, Korea; Jilin, China; Luang Prabang, Laos; Primorsky, Russia; Quang Ninh, Vietnam; Sarawak, Malaysia; Siem Reap, Cambodia; Tottori, Japan; Tuv, Mongolia; and Yogyakarta, Indonesia. During the summit, the delegates of the provinces of Thailand and Russia werent present. Still, it turned out to be a successful and memorable event of forging stronger alliances with the member provinces. Series of activities were conducted on the three-day event but it was a different story for the students.

It was a week-long activity for the volunteer students because there was a dry run and final orientation last September 12, 2011, Monday. We were toured at the important areas of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority where the delegates would come in and out during arrival and departure. During the day, I was informed to be a Delegation Liaison Officer for the delegates of Gangwon Province, South Korea. The next day was the real actionthe arrival of delegates and performers. Basically, my task was to be of assistance to the delegates whenever they need help especially about information of the specific activities of the event. I was warned that the Korean delegates are very strict in terms of protocolthey are really culture sensitive. The event formally started last September 14, 2011, Wednesday at the Cebu International Convention Centre, which is the main venue of the major EATOF activities. The day was an exchange of cultural products by the members provinces exhibited by the booths created by them. The welcome dinner followed at night at the Provincial Capitol wherein all delegates and their Liaison Officers gathered to witness another making of history. The next day was spent by the Standing Committee Meeting and Governors Conference wherein delegates talk about future plans to further boost the tourism economy of member provinces by their mutual cooperation and support. The night was remarkable because of the EATOF Festival wherein the present member provinces presented their traditional dances including Cebus finest festivals of the provinces. The next day, us and the delegates went to Camotes Island to show one of the beautiful beaches of Cebu. They were all happy to have a taste of traditional Filipino foods and to see our asset on tourism. The night was spent for the Farewell Dinner wherein speeches of gratitude were said to all people who helped in the success of the event. Indeed, the EATOF experience was an opportunity for me to see International Relations in action and to witness that we have to learn how to respect and understand cultural idiosyncrasies of our neighbouring countries. Mabuhi!