Tourism Officer Batilaran to pursue a strong culture and investment initiatives
With the Sangguniang Panglungsod approval of an ordinance creating the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office , newly appointed City Tourism Officer Elric Batilaran pledged to pursue the city’s sustainable tourism development by working on creating a strong culture, investment and promotions initiatives, through various programs, projects and activities. In his statement, Batilaran enunciates clearly his plans for the improvement of the department and the plans and programs of the office, “In City of Koronadal, both Tourism and Culture sectors are believed to have been one of the prime economic drivers as shown by various accommodation facilities and a number of other tourism-support business establishments mushrooming in the locality.
The City’s most strategic location at the heart of the region with the welcoming atmosphere of its multi-cultural communities opens an inviting vista for Investment Promotions and Marketing” he said. Batilaran also stressed on how the pandemic had greatly challenged the tourism industry, while displaying optimism he is also confident on the city’s resiliency to rise above the challenges. “Consequently, this pandemic has seriously jeopardize the livelihoods of our cultural professionals. With COVID-19 that brings tourism, culture and investment to standstill, the question remains: Despite all the challenges, is City of Koronadal still seeing some lights at the end of the tunnel? This is a huge challenge for the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office as we continue to look for healthier opportunities that would generate new partnerships and collaboration. With firm optimism and unyielding resiliency, this city is bound to jointly reinvent and broaden its horizons in terms of attracting new audiences, develop new skills and support the nation’s transition to the new normal. This is the kind of mindset that I hope to be developed by everyone in the local tourism industry – to provide not just an overview of the socio-economic impacts from the pandemic on tourism, but also on the various livelihoods it sustains’, Batilaran said. On the other hand, Batilaran’s strong educational background and years of service had prepared him in manning the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs office. He served as an employee for almost 19 years in the Local Government Unit of Koronadal since year 2001 . Before becoming head of office, he started as an English Instructor at MSU, Marawi City and a Branch Manager of Bayantel Tacurong Branch.
For a year, Batilaran tried his luck in the City Government of Koronadal and was designated as City Planning and Development Office- Technical Staff with a Job Order status.Meanwhile, trying to have a greener pasture, he entered as a Disc Jockey and a newscaster at Star FM Main station at Iloilo City and at Star FM Koronadal. Having a heart in public service, he came back to serve the City Government as Koronadal Investment Center Project Manager and was an Administrative Officer V at the Office of the City Administrator.
A son of Quirico and Elisa Batilaran (both deceased), where his name derived and is married to Emma Tismo- Batilaran. Batilaran graduated his secondary education at Notre Dame of Marbel University- Boys Department and finished his AB- English Course at Mindanao State University at Marawi City as Cum Laude and garnered the Best Debater of the Year, Best Writer of the Year and the Best Performer in Arts. He also enrolled in 9 units in Master in Public Administration and units in Master in English at Notre Dame of Marbel University, Koronadal City.Elric Batilaran graduated his Project Planning Development and Management Course at Asian Institute of Management, Makati city and finished his Master of Arts in Public Administration, Public Policy and Social Research at the International Christian University in Toyo, Japan.In a concluding statement, he wholeheartedly thanked the Honorable City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena for giving him the great opportunity and trust. “I want to thank the Hon. City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena for recognizing not just my hard work but my strong compassion and enthusiasm in the tourism and cultural advocacies. Thank you for believing I am ready to take on a new role with a bigger set of responsibilities. It’s been a pleasure to learn more and grow more under your leadership.
Thanks again for recognizing my contribution with this promotion. Indeed, this is what makes Bagong Koronadal not just a catchphrase for nothing. It is about building a Team of Leaders with Integrity in Governance. Also Batilaran expressed his appreciation to all the tourism stakeholders and cultural engineers who he has been able to work with all these years. “Our engagements have given me the necessary tools to be more optimistic in accepting this promotion despite the giant challenge of this pandemic. With us sincerely working together, this global health crisis should be an opportunity to rethink tourism for the future. Tourism is at a crossroads and the measures we put in place today will shape the tourism of tomorrow“, Batilaran concluded.