■ DOT 7 DIRECTOR CHAN SUCCUMBS TO HEART ATTACK

Tourism stakeholders in Cebu expressed appreciation to RD Chan, who, despite his short stay in DOT 7, has relayed with them the government’s support to the private sector’s tourism plans.

Tourism stakeholders are mourning the passing of Department of Tourism 7 Director Catalino Chan III, barely two months after he assumed his post. Chan, 62, reportedly had a heart attack and died in a Cebu City hospital at 2 p.m. yesterday. Tourism players in the private sector expressed their appreciation of Chan, who, they said, supported their programs. Chan’s remains will be buried in his hometown in Mambajao, Camiguin.

Barely two months since he took over as regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) 7, Catalino Chan III had passed away.

The local tourism chief died 2 p.m. yesterday at the Perpetual Soccour Hospital in Cebu City after he succumbed to heart attack, according to former DOT 7 Director and close colleague Patria Aurora “Dawnie” Roa.

Roa described the 62-year old director as a “good and competent man” who has rose from the ranks in the department.

Stakeholders in the private sector have also expressed their appreciation to the director, who, despite his short stay in DOT 7, has communicated with them the government’s support to the private sector’s tourism plans.

“The passing of RD Catalino “Butch” Chan came as a shock. I had the privilege of discussing with him on various topics that affect the tourism community of Cebu. I found him to be direct, decisive and participative, a man of action. He shall be missed,” said Julie Najar, president of the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association Cebu (HRRAC) in a text message yesterday.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has also aired their sentiments to Chan’s untimely demise.

“We’re greatly saddened to hear the news and the sudden loss especially as CCCI was about to initiate engagement with his office for our tourism initiatives. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of DOT RD7 Catalino Chan,” said Melanie Ng.

According to Roa, Chan’s remains will be buried in his hometown in Mambajao, Camiguin.

DOT 7, as of press time, has not released an official statement on Chan’s death.

Prior to his re-assignment in Cebu, Chan was the regional director of DOT in Northern Mindanao.

“He is not new to Cebu,” said former DOT 7 Officer-In-Charge Judy Gabato, in past interviews.

Even before he joined the tourism department, Chan had served as a tour guide in Cebu years ago and became a tourism officer in Camiguin. He finished college in University of San Carlos.