Department of Tourism's "A path towards sustainability: Sustainable tourism in the next 6 years."

Summary

In her keynote at the Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum, Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasizes the Philippine Department of Tourism's commitment to sustainable tourism. Highlighting the community-based eco-tourism initiative in Oslob, Cebu, she underscores the importance of preserving natural resources and the environment. The department is focusing on enhancing tourism infrastructure, digitalization, and promoting domestic tourism, while ensuring the industry is ecologically sustainable. The goal is to balance business opportunities with social responsibility to ensure the Philippines remains a beautiful and enriching destination for future generations.

Takeaways

• 🌿 The Department of Tourism is prioritizing eco-friendly tourism as a core aspect of their strategy for the next six years.
• 🏞️ The municipality of Oslom in Cebu has successfully implemented a sustainable tourism initiative that has been recognized globally.
• 🚣‍♂️ The boho River Cruise in Oslom is a thriving example of community-based eco-tourism that has been operational since 2009.
• 🤝 Strong tourism governance is crucial for developing sustainable, long-lasting eco-tourism initiatives.
• 🌱 The local government unit in Oslom educated the community on the importance of preserving natural resources, leading to a shift from harmful practices to stewardship of the boho River.
• 🥗 Demonstrating food security as a way of life, the community grows and serves their own food, promoting an appreciation for nature as a food source.
• 🚮 Effective waste management is a key component of maintaining the natural environment, with a focus on organic materials and minimal plastic use.
• 🏆 The Philippine tourism awards are being launched to recognize enterprises that promote sustainable tourism.
• 🌐 The Philippine Experience initiative aims to showcase the country's cultural heritage and arts, promoting a multi-dimensional tourism experience.
• 🌱 The Department of Tourism is working on institutionalizing sustainable development practices through education to ensure long-term appreciation and preservation of natural resources.
• 💹 Tourism is a major economic contributor to the Philippines, and the Department of Tourism has identified seven main objectives to anchor its programs and plans, with sustainable tourism at the core.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum?

The main focus of the Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum is to discuss sustainable tourism and how it can be made a priority in the Philippines.

Who is Christina Garcia Frasco?

Christina Garcia Frasco is the Secretary of the Department of Tourism in the Philippines.

What is the significance of Cebu in the context of the speech?

Cebu is significant because it is the home province of Secretary Frasco and it is highlighted as a region where tourism is a vital part of the economy and where sustainable tourism practices are being implemented.

What is the Bohol River Cruise and how does it relate to sustainable tourism?

The Bohol River Cruise is a successful sustainable tourism initiative in the municipality of Oslob, Cebu, which demonstrates sustainable tourism practices and community involvement, contributing to the local economy and preserving the natural environment.

What were the initial environmental issues in Oslob before the Bohol River Cruise initiative?

Before the Bohol River Cruise initiative, the area faced environmental issues such as river pollution, mangrove cutting, wildlife hunting, and threats to marine resources.

How has the local government unit in Oslob contributed to sustainable tourism?

The local government unit in Oslob has contributed to sustainable tourism by reaching out to the community, providing education on the importance of preserving natural resources, and implementing sustainable practices.

What is the importance of food security in the context of the Bohol River Cruise?

Food security is important as it supports the livelihood of the community, promotes the use of locally grown food, and raises awareness about the preservation of nature as a source of food.

How does waste management play a role in the sustainability of the Bohol River Cruise?

Waste management is crucial as it involves the use of organic materials, minimizing plastic use, and ensuring minimal waste generation to protect the environment.

What is the carrying capacity and how does it apply to the Bohol River Cruise?

The carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of people that an area can accommodate without causing degradation to the environment. The Bohol River Cruise strictly implements carrying capacity to prevent overdevelopment and overuse.

What are the seven main objectives of the Department of Tourism under the Marcos Administration?

The seven main objectives are: 1) Improvement of Tourism infrastructure and accessibility, 2) Digitalization and connectivity, 3) Enhancing the tourist experience, 4) Equalization of tourism product development and promotion, 5) Diversification through multi-dimensional tourism, 6) Maximization of domestic tourism, and 7) Strengthening of Tourism governance.

How does the Department of Tourism plan to ensure the sustainability of the Philippine tourism industry?

The Department of Tourism plans to ensure sustainability by reconfiguring accreditation standards, launching the Philippine tourism awards, promoting the Philippine experience, conducting cultural and heritage mapping, and working with local government units and private stakeholders.