22nd Ad Congress comes to Bicol

NAGA CITY—Despite the rains, local government executives here welcomed the delegates to the 22nd Ad Congress that is being held for the first time in the Bicol region.

Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte said “the casualness of the world-class CamSur Watersports Complex,” the venue for the biggest advertising event in the country, will be a “game changer.”

“It’s an opportunity to prove we can host big important events like this based on our brand, which changed our province from an obscure poor one to a top tourist destination,” he said.

The governor said all systems were in place and the province was ready to host the four-day event with the theme “Changing the Game.”

Villafuerte said the success of the Ad Congress would bolster the move to sell the province as a venue for conventions, conferences and exhibitions.

Naga Mayor John Bonggat said the city government shares the responsibility of ensuring the protection of thousands of visitors billeted in hotels here, aside from those staying with friends and relatives.

Senior Supt. Procopio Lipana, police provincial director of Camarines Sur, said an additional 100 policemen were deployed to provide security to some 4,000 delegates expected to attend.

He said several information booths along the highway from Del Gallego, Camarines Sur, to the boundary of Albay province would be put up to assist visitors.

Naga Airport Manager Monico Basallote said that beginning Monday, flights to Naga Airport had increased from five to six flights a day to 10-12 flights a day.

He said delegates have started to arrive and the additional flights would continue until the duration of the Ad Congress.