Duterte names Mark Lapid TIEZA COO

Actor and politician Mark Lapid is coming back to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

In a letter dated January 5, 2021, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea informed TIEZA’s Board of Directors that President Rodrigo Duterte has approved Lapid’s —the son of Senator Lito Lapid —nomination as chief operating officer of the Department of Tourism-attached agency.

The younger Lapid will serve the unexpired term of Pocholo Paragas, who resigned in November last year, until June 30, 2021.

He first held the position during the Arroyo administration, when the agency was known as Philippine Tourism Authority and, again, during the Aquino administration.

In 2016, Lapid vacated the post to make way for his failed senatorial bid. He was the governor of the province of Pampanga from 2004 to 2007.

Lapid's appointment was confirmed and welcomed by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

According to Roque, the appointment boded well for the recovery and growth of the tourism industry.

“Tourism is one of the most important sectors of our economy, and the appointment of Mr. Lapid, who is no stranger to TIEZA, augurs well in contributing to the recovery and growth of tourism, which has been affected by the pandemic,” he said.

“Welcome back to TIEZA, Mr. Lapid,” he added. — Joahna Lei Casilao/LBG, GMA News