Blondie in Wonderland: tourisim

It was a warm day on April 2, 2014 when I was fortunate that I was able to have a cup of coffee with GenSans First lady and Chairperson of the GSC Tourism Council (GSC-TC), Jane Rivera. I was charmed by her presence, she’s warm, gracious, completely natural, and down-to-earth. She talked to me about her family, her children and she also asked about mine, we shared a laugh for a moment there on how it seemed that the interviewer, even just for a second became the interviewee.

We were totally at ease in each others presence, then I mentioned on how astonished I was with her role as the Chairperson of GSC –TC. When I wrote about Paskuhan sa Gensan, I was inspired by the actions she took that made the event a success. And also on how she carries herself in style but also manages to roll up her sleeves and take part on their projects first-hand, from attending various events, here and there, everywhere in between charity work and promoting Gensan. As chairperson, she spearheads numerous efforts and projects that amplifies the different sounds, flavors, scenery and everything else that Gensan has to offer. When asked what motivates her in doing what she does, she answered “The Generals, members and officers of the Tourism Council”, Ms. Jane is determined to work as twice as much for them.

Just last March 21, she was in Iloilo for the travel exhibit and selling mission of the Department of Tourism Region XII, dubbed as “Luring Iloilo the 12^th Paradise” where they brought 2 tunas on their Savor in Paradise booth where Illongos lined up to grab a bite.

When I asked her, “What do you think the future of Gensan would be like? What gives you a sense of hope? Are you excited? Concerned or worried for what it might be?” , she replied, “I’m excited!” she also mentioned that great things take time, we can’t do everything overnight, that there are certain steps towards development that we should take, slowly but surely.

As for those steps to be taken, the council is currently working on various projects, just to name a few, the GenSan Summerfest which opened last March 31 and will culminate on May 31, is GenSans 1^st youth festival , where young Generals could compete Inter-Barangay, Inter-school and open category in various sports and performing arts competitions. Project Modelo, where barangays would be up against each other competing for the award for Cleanest Barangay. The renovation of, General Paulino Santos landing site. Construction plans for the City Museum. And the Official City Map and brochure that is soon to be released. The map/brochure aims to assist visitors on everything they need to know about Magandang Gensan.