The newly elected officers for the term 2008 to 2011 of National Capital Region Tourism Officers Association(NCRTOA), headed by its President Ms. Lea Astrud T. Santiago, chief of the Marikina Cultural Tourism Trade & Investment Promotions Office had their oath taking ceremonies at Pan De Amerikina Restaurant, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City, last May 7, Wednesday at 5pm.

Thirteen of the seventeen tourism officers in Metro Manila were sworn in by no less than Marikina City Mayor Marides Carlos Fernando and the Department of Tourism National Capital Region (DOT NCR) Director Reynato Chua.

The event was capped by the signing of Memorandum of Agreement of the association with various “tourism partners” from the media, business organizations, and even policy making bodies. To name a few, NCRTOA inked a partnership with the Metro Manila Philippines Councilors League (MMPCL) represented by its President, Councilor Serafin “Bodjie”Bernardino; the National Movement of Young Legislators in NCR represented by its Vice President, Councilor Wencerom “Wency” Lagumbay; DZAS Far East Broadcasting Network represented by its station manager, Pastor Eric Maliwat; The Marikina Times represented by its Editor in Chief, June Abellar; the Marikina Valley Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MVCCI) represented by its President Romualdo Publico, and the Marikina Shoe Caravan represented by its coordinator Ms. Marlene Magbag.

Through the various partnerships, the association hopes to come up with concrete programs that would strengthen its “Buy Filipino” advocacy and spread good news about Metro Manila, reviving its claim to fame as the favored tourist spot in the Philippines.

Armed with strong ideals and “can do” attitude, the new batch of NCRTOA officers vow to be a catalyst that would further position the country as a one of the best destinations in South East Asia. With the full support of the DOT-NCR family and their respective local government units, there is no stopping them in becoming the much revered tourism association that they envision to be.