Bohol Congressman Edgar Chatto yesterday led honorees for their contribution to the tourism industry by a forum of Cebu tri-media and a big national group of travel operators at the Caspian Room of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
The 888 News Forum and National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) awarded Chatto for his outstanding performance as a public official and legislator with emphasis on his successful steering of the passage into law of the Tourism Act of 2009.
The milestone legislation will make tourism a propeller to national growth and development that balance with agriculture and other industries while putting premium on environment.
Chatto received the distinction---an addition to his already feathered cap---days after returning from the United States where he, as chairman of the House committee on tourism, traveled as part of the entourage of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The 888 News Forum and NAITAS presented the award to Chatto, citing his strong and unwaivering support of the tourism projects in Central Visayas but more particularly for his exemplary effort in navigating successfully the passage of the landmark tourism law.
Chatto was at the same time an honored guest on the occasion that coincided with the marking of the third anniversary of the 888 News Forum.
Others were also cited to include Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Cebu Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale and Department of Tourism (DOT) Usec. Cynthia Carrion.
888 News Forum board trustee Robert Lim Joseph, who is also the NAITAS national chairman, said the Board of Trustees of the media presentor of the award unanimously voted to honor the Bohol congressman.
The 888 News Forum is Cebu's tri-media gathering to discuss current issues on tourism, government, infrastructure, etcetera, organized by NAITAS and sponsored by the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.