BERNA ROMULO … PHILIPPINE CHAMPION…PROUDLY OUR OWN!
by Carmella Gana-Araullo
Berna Romulo Puyat
For someone who studied Economics in UP, Diliman and was a lecturer at UP school of Economics for 14 years, who would have thought she would end up as Secretary of Tourism. Maybe fate had a hand in all this, but Berna Romulo Puyat was destined to travel around the Philippines and find beauty in everything it has to offer.
Find out more about her favorite places to visit and how her Assumption education has helped her become a true servant leader…..Here is a little glimpse of how it is to be Berna.
Q: What Is your favorite aspect of your position as the Secretary of the Department of Tourism?
A: I get to promote our beautiful country to the world! More importantly, tourism gives jobs to so many people. In 2019, employment in tourism was at 5.7 million. Especially now during the pandemic, it is much crucial to reopen our tourist destinations safely to give back jobs lost because of COVID-19.
Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
A: The usual notion about my job is that it is limited to promoting tourist destinations and encouraging everyone to travel in the Philippines. But tourism isn’t only about promoting the best of what we have; it’s also about developing and preserving our natural wonders, cultures, and traditions. Such realization immediately came when I was appointed as Secretary in the midst of the Boracay rehabilitation program. Suddenly, I wasn’t just promoting. I was reading environmental laws and thinking of sustainable ways to regain the beauty of the island. Then, just when the island was getting back on its feet, and Philippine tourism in general was at an all-time high, COVID-19 happened and suddenly, our task focus shifted towards tourism recovery. It was a crisis that I felt nothing had ever prepared me for, but with the help of partner government agencies, local government units, and private stakeholders, we were able to slowly rebuild the industry and come up with innovative plans and programs that would cater to the needs of the new normal
Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of being in government service?
A: Being in government service, in my case, means having the chance to visit different places and communities all over the country. This is something that I’ve been doing since I became Undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture, and most especially now at the Department of Tourism. The general goal of each visit was to understand the way of life in each community, to assess their needs, and to come up with plans and programs that would make their life easier. I was learning from them, and I was also making a difference in each of their lives.
Q: What are the three best undiscovered cities in the Philippines? Why?
A: A lot but let me enumerate the ones I discovered or rediscovered during the pandemic:
- MARINDUQUE
For a small province, there’s a whirlwind of activities to do. I went island hopping to Maniwaya Island, dipped my toes in the healing sulfuric springs of the Malbog Sulfuric resort, learned about Moriones history at the National Museum, and visited the fortress-like Boac Cathedral, built in 1792 and now declared an Important Cultural Property. I also visited the Marl Insect and Butterfly farm, where I learned that over 75 percent of the nation’s butterfly breeders are found in Marinduque, which is a major exporter to the world, hence the province’s other moniker as the “Butterfly Capital of the Philippines.” The legend goes that if you free a butterfly it will grant you a wish.- RIZAL
Pinto Art Musuem was named Pinto (door) by Dr. Joven Cuanang because it was envisioned to be “an opening for new possibilities and progress; opening for others to see what the Philippines is like and an opening for us to appreciate the culture of the Filipino.” The sprawling grounds, fresh air and lush greenery make it an ideal place to visit during these times.Masungi Georeserve is also a must for nature and adventure (and Instagram) junkies. With three different trails to choose from, you can climb over spider webs, hang out on a canopy, or plant some trees for good karma.
- SIQUIJOR
Travelers have come to discover Siquijor as an island that brings healing to one’s body and soul. From its pristine beaches, hidden waterfalls to the rich marine life underwater, there is much for the adventure seeker and nature lover to discover.In Siquijor, traditional folk beliefs are still practiced and visitors are welcome to experience a bolo-bolo healing ritual. Spanish colonial history is also strongly felt, with the presence of the San Isidro Labrador Parish (commonly known as the Lazi church), a beautiful baroque church and its convent, both declared National Cultural Treasures.
- INTRAMUROS
Intramuros, which won Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards 2020, is more than a heritage site and historical attraction to Filipinos, but the soul of Manila and a living place which we should all make part of our livesOne of Intramuros’ reopened attractions is the Casa Manila Museum. The temporary closure allowed for the redesigning and transformation by architect J. Anton Mendoza, who lent his skills and talents for free. Decluttered and rearranged, the once dark and dreary Casa Manila is now bright and elegant.
Q: What is the place you never get tired of visiting?
A: I rediscovered Baguio during the pandemic and it’s the one place I love visiting when I have time. Unlike before when it would take us about 8 hours to go up, it now takes me 3 1/2 hours to get there. I love waking up to the cool Baguio breeze.
One of my favorite places to visit when I’m in Baguio is Mirador whenever I want to reflect and pray. Visitors can look forward to a historical and spiritual journey thru Mirador’s retreat house, bamboo trail, weather station, an old PLDT office, labyrinth and a picture-perfect sunset in an outdoor cafe.
It is also a must to visit Sakura Park and Northern Blossom Farm in Atok, Benguet, and be surrounded by fields of flowers.
Q: How do you think your Assumption education has helped you in the different aspects of your life?
A: As a government official
Servant leadership. We are here to serve the people and not the other way around. Specially now during the pandemic, we remain committed to helping our stakeholders recover despite the challenges we experience.
As a mother and a woman
Fidelity to duty. In everything we do, we have to be loyal and give our best to our family, work and our country.
Q: What would you say to AC students now about government service?
A: Being in government service means having the responsibility to improve the lives of the people/sector/community that you serve. When you are a position of authority, you are mandated to lead by example by making moral decisions, by guiding the people around you through challenges and adversities, and by being an advocate for those in need. But the job cannot be done by one person alone. You have to learn to build partnerships and inspire others to work towards a common goal, because the true essence of successful government service is the ability to unite a community. Above all, in order to be effective in the job, one must always listen to all the sectors concerned, and act in their best interest.
Q: What would you say to AC students about the Philippines?
A: The Philippines is an extraordinary country made up of beautiful islands, lush greeneries, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural heritage. It also takes pride in the generosity and hospitality of its people which is renowned worldwide. Throughout the years, we reaped the benefits that our country has to offer, but we must also remember that it is our social responsibility to take good care of it.
As a former Assumption student, I enjoin all the AC students of this generation to dedicate your knowledge and skills towards the sustainable development of the Philippines. Some of you will be a part of government service someday, and I hope that you will use the learnings and values you gained, for the good of the country. As for those who will take on other paths, there are still numerous ways to help. You have so much potential in your midst, but for now, take all the time you need to learn. Your country awaits.
Thank you Berna for bringing the Filipinos closer to the Philippines!
So proud of you Berna! I know that the values Assumption has ingrained in you will help you make our country better.
Thsnks for being a woman of Faith and Action!
Mrs. Yogore…how wonderful to find you in the AAA website! We will send your comments to Berna! Warmest regards from another of your many students! Stay safe…and healthy! ANA DE VILLA SINGSON
Thank you Mrs Yogore!!