MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) formally launched the International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress (IHWTC), with the aim of solidifying the Philippines’ position as “a key health tourism hub in the Asia Pacific region.”
The Inaugural Philippine event was spearheaded by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and officially opened by Philippine First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, alongside Agora Group CEO Hadi Malaeb, and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano for the ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday (Oct. 14) in Taguig City.
In her keynote address, the Tourism Chief emphasized the Filipino spirit of “malasakit”, or compassionate care, as a defining characteristic of the country’s wellness tourism.
“For those of you who have met Filipinos here or anywhere in the world, you would know that one of the defining characteristics of Filipinos is the inherent quality to exercise genuine care and compassion, always willing to go the extra mile to put the needs of others above one’s own,” Frasco remarked.
With the theme Aruga: A Filipino-Inspired Gathering for Global Health and Wellness, IHWTC highlighted the unique Filipino approach to wellness through the five senses.
“Hence, the Philippines’ hosting of the International Health and Wellness Congress is centered on the theme “Aruga,” a Filipino word that means "to care for" or “to nurture," reflecting our age-old values of malasakit or pag-atiman, which is the cornerstone of our traditional wellness practices,” she added.
The event brings together delegates from 38 countries, with the attendance of over 40 nationalities, to explore the potential of medical and wellness tourism in the Philippines, the DOT mentioned.
The congress includes an opening program, country and partner presentations, panel discussions, business-to-business networking sessions, and an exhibition area, the DOT added.
The second edition of IHWTC will be open until tomorrow (Oct. 15), offering attendees a comprehensive look at the Philippines’ emerging health tourism industry.
