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President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Presides over Bantay Turista Executive Committee taking Oath of Office
On July 23, 2004 the Chairman and Officers of the Bantay Turista Foundation International (BTFI) were sworn in to their posts by the President of the Philippines, Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace, Manila, Philippines. Full story with pictures here. Full story with pictures here.
Philippine Scooter Federation holds workshop for auxiliary members of the Aviation Security Group (ASG) and the BTFI
On June 19, 2004, the Philippine Scooter Federation organized and acted as secretariat for the PSF/ASG workshop at the Mabuhay Travel Centre just outside the International Passenger Terminal 1 (IPT-1), NAIA in preparation on its new task of assisting the Bantay Turista Foundation International (BTFI) and the PNP Aviation Security Group (ASG). The collaboration of the Aviation Security Group (ASG) was very significant in achieving the major principles and goals of the PSF which is to ride and serve the people. See the full story with pictures here. See the full story with pictures.
Officers of BTFI meet with the new Tourism Secretary
With the change of leadership at the Department of Tourism (DOT), BTFI Chairman P Francisco “Boyette” Balagtas, President Rodolfo “Jun” Baurtista, and KTAS-Director, Rev. Jeon Dae Gu, accompanied by Mr Rafael Relucio, Chief of the Tourist Police, DOT, pay a courtesy call to Secretary Roberto “Obet” M. Pagdanganan on April 21, 2004, at the Office of the Secretary. Also present during the call is Tourism Director Romulo A Delos Reyes for V12 and Special Project of the Department.
Another meeting was held on April 28, 2004 at 10am with the same Officers from the Foundation, while the Department was represented by USEC Armand C. Arreza who listens to the presentation. The presentation was all about the plan of the Foundation to come up with a Call Center which is also the priority project of the Department. Another topic was the launching of the a Korean Tourist Assistance System (KTAS) project which is the distribution of Korean brochures during Cebu Pacific flights from Korea to the Philippines, the setting up of a Korean Direct Collect Call Booth at the departure and arrival area of the Manila Domestic Airport Terminal and to the identified Korean Tourist establishments which was tentatively scheduled after the Presidential election. The location of the launching and distribution of almost 50 thousand brochures produced in South Korea and shipped to the Philippines by Cebu Pacific Airlines is not yet fixed, however, the launching will push through after a coordinating meeting between MIAA, DOT, Cebu Pacific, and the Officers of the Foundation.
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 Front center is Secretary Richard Gordon. Behind him from left to right are Vice President for Administration Jojo Medina, Executive Vice President Cesar Sto Domingo, Chairman P/Supt Pablo Francisco E. Balagtas, President Rodolfo AR. Bautista Jr., Director Louie Balbago, Director David Tan Chinese, Director Eric Mere and Director Frank Woolf Europe TAS. |
The Chairman, President, Vice Presidents and Directors of the Bantay Turista Foundation (BTF) were inducted into their posts by the Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Mr. Richard Gordon on the 10th of March 2003. After the induction, the officers of BTF went on to a courtesy call with the Undersecretary for Regional Tourism Mr Oscar Palabyab who welcomed the foundation as a valuable ally in both promoting tourism and assisting with problems that tourists may have.
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The ongoing tollways problem
The Bantay Turista Foundation International (BTFI) requested the Department of Tourism (DOT) for help regarding the long standing problem between the members of the Motorcycle Community and the Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC). This problem if solved could boost motorcycle tourism in the Philippines significantly.
As a backgrounder, 35 years ago, all types of motorcycles were banned to use the tollways, because a presidential motorcycle escort wearing a straw hat instead of a helmet died in an accident. Nearly four years ago, the motorcycle community won a court case when the Makati Regional Trial Court, issued a resolution stating that the ban by the PNCC was illegal and void. The Tollways authorities defied the court order and continud to force motorcycles off the tollways on to some of the most dangerous roads in the world. For nearly five years now, almost one million motorcycle riders around the world have been boycotting tourism to the Philippines. Bike Week Phuket attracts 40,000 international visitors. Bike Week Philippines attracts almost zero because riders are unable to ride to tourist destinations. The boycott will be lifted only if the life threatening ban is lifted by the Tollway authorities. Much more information here .
Press release on the Bantay Turista Launch
On 11th April 2003 the The BTF launching was held at the Mabuahay Travel Center, NAIA complex Manila.