标签： Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) recently orchestrated a press expedition to La Vega, aiming to spotlight the region’s rich cultural, historical, and religious landmarks. This initiative, designed to boost domestic and international tourism, featured a curated itinerary that included visits to iconic sites such as the ruins of La Vega Vieja and the revered Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy in Santo Cerro, a significant pilgrimage destination. The tour, organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Domestic Tourism, the La Vega Destination Management Office, and the Santo Cerro Development Committee, offered journalists an immersive experience of the municipality’s heritage and natural beauty. Key highlights included the Light of the World Monument, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and the Sacred Museum, complemented by breathtaking views of the La Vega Real valley. The journey also celebrated local gastronomy, with stops at Hotel Santo Cerro Natural Park, known for its eco-friendly accommodations and traditional cuisine, and Armando Café, famous for its Dominican-grown coffee. A standout moment was the encounter with nine-year-old Sofía Viñas Disla, a young entrepreneur preserving her family’s culinary legacy by crafting emblematic treats like conconetes and dulce-filled cookies. The tour concluded at the Vega Carnival Museum, which showcases the evolution of the region’s iconic Diablos Cojuelos and carnival traditions. This initiative underscores Mitur’s commitment to diversifying sustainable tourism offerings while preserving La Vega’s cultural identity.

Santo Domingo – In a significant move to bolster municipal cleanup efforts during the festive season, the Dominican Republic’s Presidency’s Executive Unit, Eco5RD, has introduced the Christmas Cleaning Route in the Eastern region. This initiative, part of the broader ‘Government With You’ program, has already been operational in San Cristóbal and Los Alcarrizos and is now expanding to La Romana, Hato Mayor, and Higüey. Carlos Pellerano, Director of Eco5RD, emphasized that this effort reflects President Luis Abinader’s unwavering commitment to municipal development, transcending political affiliations to ensure all municipalities benefit equally. The program’s primary goal is to maintain clean, safe, and orderly public spaces, enhancing the quality of life and mobility for residents during the holiday season. Over 37 solid waste trucks, adorned with festive Christmas lights and operated by uniformed personnel, will work overnight to minimize disruptions and maximize efficiency. Pellerano confidently stated that Higüey and the Eastern region will be ‘spotless’ this Christmas. The initiative’s launch saw the participation of Mayor Karina Aristy, municipal council members, and representatives from the Catholic Church and civil society, underscoring the community-wide support for this endeavor.

Santo Domingo witnessed a vibrant celebration of family unity and values as thousands of Dominican families participated in the annual walk, ‘A Step for My Family,’ led by Monsignor Carlos Tomás Morel Diplán and other church authorities. The event, held in honor of Family and Vocation Month, brought together entire households in a festive atmosphere filled with music, cultural presentations, and a shared sense of hope. Since its inception in 2012, the initiative has consistently emphasized the family—rooted in the union of a man and a woman—as the cornerstone of society.

In his homily, Monsignor Morel underscored the pivotal role families play in shaping the moral and Christian foundations of the nation. He highlighted that many societal challenges arise from homes where essential values such as honesty, responsibility, fidelity, and hard work are neglected. He urged parents to take the lead in imparting values-based education and cautioned against cultural movements that seek to redefine the traditional family structure, warning that societies falter when they stray from their core principles.

The event culminated with the reading of the National Manifesto for the Family, a document that reaffirmed the family as the fundamental unit of society. It called on government authorities, businesses, and citizens to support policies that bolster family structures. The manifesto emphasized the importance of dignified living conditions, access to education and healthcare, protection for vulnerable households, value-centered education, responsible media content, and State decisions that prioritize the defense of life and family. The Church reiterated its unwavering commitment to advocating for these values, essential for fostering a stronger and more hopeful Dominican Republic.

In a groundbreaking move to bolster security, the National Police of Santo Domingo activated its Mobile Drone Operational Unit during Bad Bunny’s highly anticipated concerts at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium over the weekend. The deployment of 14 drones provided uninterrupted real-time aerial surveillance, significantly enhancing the safety of the thousands of fans who attended the Friday and Saturday performances. The drones were instrumental in identifying potential threats, monitoring crowd movements, and ensuring a secure environment throughout the event. Under the leadership of Major General Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta, the police collaborated with other institutions to maintain order, assist attendees, and guarantee seamless mobility. The advanced drone technology expanded the police’s observational capabilities, enabling the detection of suspicious activities and improving coordination with ground units for rapid response. Additionally, the system supported facial recognition and vehicle license plate identification in surrounding areas, further strengthening the overall security framework.