An Interview With Senatorial Candidate Mark Lapid

Who is Mark Lapid? Most of us know him as the son of the famous actor Lito Lapid. Mark first came out to the public in 1999 and played a role in Largado, Ibabalik Kita Sa Pinanggalingan Mo. In 2004, he ran and was elected at governor of Pampanga. Then, President Aquino appointed Mark as the chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.  This 2016 national election, Mark is running as a senator under team "Daang Matuwid" Liberal party's Mar Roxas. Part of his platform is focused on improving and promoting tourism in the Philippines.

Mark Lapid

Mark promises to work on agritourism, medical, sports and even cruise tourism. The department of tourism aims to attract 10 million tourists through promoting the best of the Philippines. Mr. Lapid mentioned some of his contribution during his stint in TIEZA. One of which was focused on improving the airports, providig facilities to different tourist destination - a joint venture with Manila Water to address water issue in Boracay. Preserve Philippine Churches like Bohol, Iloilo, Barasoain churches including the festive lighting of Aguinaldo Shrine.

His answer to the question "What do you think the government needs to do to protect foreign and local tourists?"

• A strict or higher penalty should be imposed to those who will not obey the law. 
• A more define campaign. 
• A need to focus on other national issues as it also affects tourism in the country.
• Give incentives to medical facilities to promote medical tourism.
• More government programs that would help the Filipinos especially in the urban areas. 
• Regulate number of vehicles and provide better mass transport system.
• Place job opportunities in other parts of the country. 
• Improve location of airports.
• Link clark and NAIA.

I personally like how Mr. Lapid answers to every questions thrown to him. His response were direct to the point. Here's a clip from our interview with Senatorial Candidate Mark Lapid.

Based on the interview and his platform, what are your thoughts about Mark Lapid? Are you supporting Mark Lapid in the 2016 Philippine Election?