DBPH Admin2 
TO help the tourism sector recover faster, the House of Representatives, through the Inter-Parliamentary and Public Affairs Department (IPAD), organized the travel fair “HRep Voyage: Explore, Connect, Unify!” which opened on Tuesday.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco told those present that, although virtual tours are available, there is no substitute for the actual experience of traveling, especially being immersed in the culture of other places and meeting new people. “I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to travel. Traveling is not just for leisure. It is the best education to explore the world and its beauty,” he said.
IPAD Deputy Secretary General (DSG) Atty. Gracelda Andres, in partnership with the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), agreed with Secgen Velasco, stating how traveling “is a platform where we can come together, share our travel experiences, exchange ideas, and inspire each other to explore new destinations and immerse ourselves in various cultures.”
Ms Fe Abling Yu, President of the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PhilTOA), lauded the HRep initiative which will help promote Philippine tourism and foster deeper love for the country and all it offers. PhilTOA is the partner-organization of the IPAD for the travel fair.
The travel fair will run until October 19, 2023. Interested parties may visit any of the 31 exhibitors at the De Venecia and Villar Halls, and the South Wing Annex Lobby, composed of airline companies, travel agencies, hotels, and other travel-related agencies.
Present during the opening ceremonies were DSG Dr. Edgardo Pangilinan, DSG Dr. Romulo Emmanuel Miral Jr., DSG Dante Roberto Maling, and OIC-DSG Atty. Jennelyn Go-Sison
