00:00 The Department of Tourism is continuously striving to strengthen and promote tourism in the country.
00:07 In fact, the agency is already helping some places in Ilocos Region to promote as the best surfing destinations in the world.
00:16 This is what Rod Lagusan has to say.
00:24 Tourism is a big help in improving the economy of a place that provides a way for people to get a job and earn money in a community.
00:33 Like Ilocos Region, some of the famous destinations in the country can be found here.
00:38 In Pangasinan, the so-called Church of the Devotees, the Bolinao of a beach destination, and the nearby Hundred Islands.
00:46 The famous heritage town of Vigan in Ilocos Sur is included here.
00:50 Here in La Union, the recognition of Ilocos Sur as a surfing destination in the country is continuous.
00:56 This is also the reason why many businesses are active here.
00:59 One of the coffee shops here is the Irugi Coffee, which is not like most of the coffee shops in the main highway or beachfront.
01:06 It has been three years since the couple Steffi and Jek, who are from Manila, started their business.
01:10 But they chose to build their business here in San Juan, La Union.
01:14 Actually, what we want with Irugi Coffee, which actually means "simula," it's an Ilocano term,
01:21 is to cater to people who don't like the coffee in the neighborhood.
01:28 We will really go somewhere that is quieter.
01:33 They used Jek's old coffee machine in their coffee shop.
01:37 It actually helps businesses when it comes to the surfing competitions that are brought by the Department of Tourism.
01:46 So, like for us, we offer the same coffee, which is specialty coffee, but of course with a different touch.
01:57 They say that the word of mouth of people in their coffee shop is a big bullet, especially in La Union, where there are many tourists.
02:05 Actually, it's more on the experience. That's what Irugi Coffee really offers.
02:10 And when they come here, actually, our best sellers are our baristas. More than the drinks.
02:15 They come back here because the service they offer is good.
02:18 I tried their ice latte. It's paired with a perfect ambience, perfect for coffee lovers.
02:24 This is called, the Tourism Department is helping other potential surfing destinations in the region.
02:30 Now, what we are trying to do is to help them develop their surf destinations in Cabugao.
02:36 In Stapy Town, Cabugao, there are not many businesses yet, but La Union is the same as before.
02:41 And it's the same with Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte.
02:43 Because you know, Pagudpud was voted last year as top 25 best beaches in the world.
02:49 That's all we need investors to build beautiful hotels and facilities.
02:55 Infrastructure is a big deal in tourism, like having a more accessible route to the region, like T-Plex.
03:02 That's why they are continuously striving to have direct domestic and international flights abroad.
03:08 So that sporting events like the World Surfing League can be easily held,
03:11 and other food and nature lovers' destinations here in the region.
03:16 Rod Laguzad, for the people.
03:18 [MUSIC PLAYING]
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