I did not even know that September was Tourism Month in the Philippines until I was at the opening of the Philippine Tourism Showroom at the Department of Tourism (DOT) head office in Makati City early last week.
If you are keeping scores, I just used the word “tourism” three times already. Yes, it is hard not to miss tourism these days. Outside of the business-process outsourcing industry, tourism is the other sunshine industry in the country.
It is something that was highlighted by Tourism Undersecretary Alma Rita Jimenez during the opening of the showroom. She told the packed crowd at the lobby of the DOT that the impact of tourism on the economy is already a foregone conclusion.
Consider these figures. From January to June, the 2.98 million tourist arrivals were 13 percent higher as compared to the same period last year. Total receipts from them totaled P127.37 billion, or close to 15 percent higher than the first six months of last year.
Add that to the fact that nationwide, one in every nine Filipinos is currently employed in the tourism industry, and you will understand its trickledown effect.
But the DOT is shooting for the moon. By the end of President Duterte’s term, it expects tourist arrivals to reach 12 million and domestic tourism at 89 million.
As an influential member of the foreign chambers here in the country would tell me, there is now a “virtuous impatience” and a “willingness to make things happen” attitude from this government. And that, my friends, is a very good sign for our country.
Jimenez said profoundly that tourism can change an individual’s perspective and deepen understanding, as it promotes diversity, culture and peace.
She said that if someone rejects new food, ignores customs, fears religion, then that person might just, as well, stay at home.
At the same time, she said, even as travel and tourism might not be able to prevent bigotry, it has already introduced the idea that maybe one day we all can be friends.
Preach Undersecretary Jimenez. Preach.
During the launch of the Philippine Tourism Showroom, it was also my first time to see BusinessMirror Vice President for Corporate Affairs Frederick Alegre in his new capacity as a tourism assistant secretary.
Sir Ricky told me on the side that there was some initial hesitation on his part at the start when the job was offered to him, because he was not sure if he can make the shift. But he realized that after 30 years in the media, it was time for him to give back.
He said tourism is everybody’s responsibility, and that we all should do our share in promoting the country. To Sir Ricky, whatever it is that we do should be for the good of the majority.
I agree with Sir Ricky when he said the Philippines has a lot more to offer, in terms of tourism, when compared to a lot of countries in the world. However, he said we should think beyond our shores and see what is being done by other countries, and adapt the good ones here in the country.
For those not in the know, Sir Ricky was a trimedia personality having worked as an airport and Department of Foreign Affairs reporter in the print media, an AM radio-station manager and an executive in a television network.
Oh, and during that visit to the DOT head office, I got to see long time friends Tess Esguerra and their ace photographer Nestor Dionido. They are two of the key reasons DOT officials have all looked good literally and figuratively in the eyes of the media.
Anyway, the Philippine Tourism Showroom was designed to showcase tourism destinations in the country through video presentations that are accompanied by local products and tour packages available to each destination.
The showroom will also promote micro- to small- and medium-scales enterprises across the country, and make their products and services available at very affordable prices.
The National Capital Region is being showcased until the end of the month, and it currently includes Marikina bags and shoes on display. Other items currently being showcased include knotted rosaries, fashion accessories and a wide assortment of delicacies.
The showroom is open to the public on weekdays, from 8 am to 5 pm.
Before I forget, the Philippine National Police (PNP) mascot, who was modeled after Director General Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa, also showed up for the event.
Whoever was under that mascot suit must be probably sweating profusely after all the dancing, punching and muscle flexing he just did. But, you know what? The audience loved every bit of it.
To me, that is a sign of respect for the outstanding job de la Rosa and the PNP have been doing for the most part under the Duterte administration.
To me, the chief PNP comes across as someone who truly cares and understand the daily plight of every Filipino while giving it his all to eradicate illegal drugs and crimes in the country.
I see him as someone who we can approach at any given time and not one of those high and mighty officials who are very much indifferent to what Juan de la Cruz is going through every day of his life.
I cannot overemphasize the fact that tourists will not come to the country unless they feel safe and secure when walking the streets in the country, or how the proliferation of illegal drugs will only bring the wrong kind of tourists into country.
By the way, no one has the right to equate lack of education for the right to twist facts.
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Image credits: Rodel Alzona