Veteran tourism exec movesfrom Cebu to Subic-Clark area

CEBU CITY: A veteran tourism executive has resigned from his position in a luxury hotel here to join a newly formed government corporation tasked to oversee the development of the Subic-Clark corridor.

Patrick C. Gregorio, erstwhile president of the Waterfront Philippines Inc., announced that he will join the Subic-Clark Area Development Corp. (SCADC) as director general by August 1, but he will be orienting himself on its operation starting early July.

“Thank you Cebu but it’s time to move on,” Gregorio said as he bid goodbye to Cebuanos, about five and a half years after he first came to Cebu to work as the general manager for Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino and as WPI president.

“I have filed my resignation with the Waterfront board of directors and they have accepted it,” Gregorio said.

SCADC is a newly created company that aims to integrate the development programs of Subic and Clark, he explained, and he will be focusing on developing tourism in the two areas.
“I have accepted the invitation of SCADC chair, Francisco Licuanan. I will be with Waterfront until July 31,” Gregorio said.

He admitted that it was not an easy decision to make since he has emotional attachment for Cebu, but he could not refuse Licuanan’s invitation two months ago.

“I find the invitation very challenging if I consider the 10-point agenda of the President,” he said, noting that the program for Subic and Clark is very clear.

However, he said, he will continue to help promote Cebu in his personal capacity especially since the province offers different attractions from Subic and Clark.

He has committed to help in the Advertising Congress scheduled in November.
Gregorio vowed to continue to support the Cebu Visitors and Convention Bureau which will be administered by an executive director.