Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (center) visited the Ata Manobo Tribe farmers in 2014 to distribute grafted cacao trees courtesy of the Department of Agriculture to help create livelihood opportunities in the community.
QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Newly appointed Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said she “was in shock” when President Rodrigo Duterte offered her the position in the Department of Tourism.
“I was in shock. So parang when he offered it to me parang so casual. Sabi niya, ‘Hindi bagay ka. Your credential speaks for itself.’ Ayoko pang maniwala,” she said.
In a phone interview Wednesday, Puyat said she thought the President was joking around. She said the President said she is ideal for the job having no trace of corruption in her 12 years of government service.
“Wala. I kept my self clean. Sa kanya kasi ang pinaka importante is walang corruption,” she added.
The new tourism chief said as a marching order, the President warned her to keep her name clear from corruption issues.
“Ang unang bilin lang niya sa akin, sabi nya, ‘Ang gusto ko lang huwag kang maging corrupt,’ Puyat recalled.
Puyat is active as undersecretary in the Department of Agriculture having served three consecutive administrations promoting agri-tourism, marketing and agri-business. She is a daughter of former Senator and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo.
Secretary Puyat replaces Wanda Teo, who resigned from her post following the P60-million Tourism ad placement controversy on the television show of her brothers. — Marje Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue
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