CEBU, Philippines - The Ramos Peace and Development (RPDEV) Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of peace and development in the Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, opened the year with a continuing series of conferences on sustainable tourism development with stops across the country.
Entitled “Eco-Mismo,” the landmark road show project aims to help various locales in the country position themselves as top eco-tourism destinations. It likewise aims to provide a venue for local government officials and private sector representatives to share best practices and discuss possible solutions to challenges, both in policy and development in the fields of eco-touirsm and eco-productivity. Eco-Mismo also has made its way to the Visayas with stops in Cebu and Bohol, recently.
The Cebu leg was held at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel with leading figures in the tourism industry and Eco Productivity discussing relevant themes such as the conservation of the province’s natural and cultural resources; the role of government and private organizations in eco-productivity and tourism development; and effective tourist operations management, keeping in mind sustainable development of our destinations. The speakers included former President Fidel Ramos, Secretary Ace Durano, chairperson Narzalina Lim, Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan of WWF Philippines, Alan Cajes, VP DAP Center for Sustainable Human Development, and Mariglo Laririt of El Nido.
DOT Secretary Ace Durano said, “This series of conferences is very timely, because of the growing concerns over climate change and the global financial crisis that has exacerbated problems in the country’s tourism industry and our wider economy.”
“It is imperative that we know how to plan and develop our destinations in the most sustainable way possible - keeping the balance between opening it to tourists and preservation; if we wish the future generations to still be able to enjoy the natural resources we have,” he added.
The Bohol segment, on the other hand, was held at the Bohol Beach Club in Panglao Island. Talks focused on the issues relevant to the island’s tourism, including wastewater management, energy efficiency, clean development mechanisms, and solid waste management.
Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions said, “More than promoting the country’s prime beaches and unspoilt coastlines, the Department has a strong focus on instilling awareness to tourists on the impacts of climate change, and how we should act.”
World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) - Philippines Vice Chairman Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan in his presentation said, “Tourism is the world’s largest industry, which comprises about 10% of total employment.” He added that given this magnitude, tourism will also be among the most affected industry with the impacts of climate change. Tan gave a comprehensive presentation on the possible consequences of environmental decline to the country’s destinations.