SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY, RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

A photo exhibit of the wonders of the Philippines promotes tourism that keeps the environment alive

The campaign slogan #MoreFunInThePhilippines continues to broadcast to the world that our country is a travel destination rich in attractions that promise fun memories and excitement to both foreign and local tourists. Earlier this year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has announced a revamped campaign centered on sustainability with the catchphrase #MoreFunForever.

These aren’t just words to promote tourism in the country. The tagline is also a reminder for everyone to do their part in protecting and preserving the unique charm that our country has, making sure that the fun lasts forever and that our natural attractions will remain beautiful for succeeding generations.

Following the anniversary of the campaign launch, the DOT spearheaded the six-month rehabilitation of the worldfamous Boracay Island. While this initially received flak from the public, the rehabilitation brought Boracay back to its pristine condition. It also became instrumental in letting the world know that there’s beauty in sustainability.

Soon after the completion of Boracay’s rehabilitation, other famous cities and islands in the Philippines such as Baguio, Sagada, El Nido, Siargao, Panglao, and Bohol, have also gone through significant restoration. This also included efforts to teach environmental responsibility to residents and tourists, as well as to businesses that operate in these locations.

Sharing the same vision of eco-tourism, the Manila Bulletin partnered with the DOT to launch this year’s Earth+Lens photo exhibit. This served as a platform to spread awareness on the importance of sustainability, while also magnifying and immortalizing the beauty of the country’s natural wonders as seen through the lens of a camera.

DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who graced the exhibit opening held at S Maison in Pasay on May, highlighted the importance of responsible tourism.

“Sustainable tourism is not an empty catchphrase but a philosophy and a mode of behavior, a culture so to speak that every man on the street must undergo and live up to,” the Secretary said. “What could be more enticing than the picturesque sight of our beaches in countless destinations in this archipelago of 7,641 islands.”

Last year, the Earth+Lens photo exhibit featured a closer look at nature through the macro lens of a Huawei P20 Pro. This year, the exhibit, which made use of sustainable materials in line with the event’s advocacy in responsible tourism, pays homage to our local beaches — with crystal clear waters and fine sands captured using a Huawei P30 Pro.

Apart from being one of today’s leading tech companies, Huawei Philippines has also been a vocal advocate of ecotourism. For two consecutive years, the company has been part of the Earth+Lens photo exhibit.

After a successful launch, the Earth+Lens 2019 photo exhibit is set to visit select SM Malls in Manila. Catch the exhibit and marvel at the country’s marvelous beaches at the Mall Activity Centers of SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Mesa and SM City Manila.