New DOT Regional Director in Western Visayas Focuses on Community-Based Tourism to Boost Revenues

The new regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Western Visayas, Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez, has announced her plans to boost the region’s tourism revenues. Rodriguez, who took office on December 14, 2022 and will be sworn in this January, aims to highlight the heritage, culture, arts, and experiences of the provinces, towns, and cities in the region. 

As part of her plan, Rodriguez hopes to solidify partnerships between the DOT, local government units, and stakeholders, and to promote community-based tourism in the region. This will involve empowering local communities, improving their skills, and fostering a sense of ownership by local community members, leading to development in their localities.

Rodriguez has a strong background in environmental protection and is an advocate for women’s empowerment. Prior to her appointment at the DOT, she served as the director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Biodiversity Management Bureau from 2018 to 2019 and as the regional executive director of the agency in Region IX. In 2016, she was a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Professional Fellow on Sustainability in Maryland, USA.