04 August 2014 – Incoming Philippine Consul General Marciano R. De Borja headed the 24 Guam participants to the 9th Ambassador, Consuls General & Tourism Directors (ACGTD) Tour in the Philippines from July 28 to 31. The Guam delegation included Senator Frank B. Aguon, Jr. of the 32nd Guam Legislature, who is on his 2nd visit to the Philippines with the ACGTD Tour. Several of the Guam delegates such as Philippine Honorary Consul in Pohnpei Dr. Merlynn Abello-Alfonso were first-time participants of the tour.
The tour, which was highlighted by the wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument and a visit to Malacañang Palace, as well as out-of-town tours to Pico De Loro in Nasugbu, Batangas, gave the participants a wonderful and enriching experience of the Philippines. The tours and program were designed to provide delegates with insights on Philippine culture, history and lifestyle.
According to Dr. Merlynn Abello-Alfonso, Philippine Honorary Consul to Federated States of Micronesia, “her experience was overwhelming and satisfying as a first time participant to join the tour and (I) would definitely want to return for a repeat experience.”
The ACGTDT is a project of the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the United States, including the Philippine Consulate General in Guam, in cooperation with representatives of the Department of Tourism assigned in key cities in North America. It aims to promote the Philippines not only as a tourist destination but also as a viable investment option and/or retirement haven. It caters to foreign nationals as well as to former Filipinos and dual citizens. END