Cebu officials rally behind DOT chief

CEBU, Philippines — Officials of Cebu Province, including those of the highly-urbanized cities, have joined together in supporting Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Gracia-Frasco in the wake of the tourism campaign video fiasco.

DOT is facing backlash after some footages of its “Love The Philippines” slogan were found out to be stocked videos taken from other countries like Bali Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Dubai and Thailand.

The video campaign was released by a private advertisement agency, which also received criticisms on social media.

At least 11 congressmen, five component city mayors, 44 municipal mayors and the chief executives of the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Cebu signed a manifesto extending support to Frasco.

“We, Congressmen, City Mayors, Municipal Mayors, and Councilors under the banner of a united and indivisible One Cebu Island declare our full and unwavering support to the Department of Tourism (DOT) led by our very own, a Cebuana, Secretary Christina Frasco-Garcia,” reads a portion of the manifesto.

The Cebu officials claimed that the tourism secretary has been the subject of a “demolition job” following the release of DOT’s promotional tourism video.

They believe that there are individuals who try to sabotage the accomplishments of Frasco, who is one of the top performing cabinet secretaries of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration.

“We, as a united One Cebu Island, express our extreme displeasure and strongly condemn the patent mudslinging and dirty politicking directed at Secretary Garcia-Frasco. We, as a Cebuano people, will not tolerate any black propaganda aimed solely at sullying the reputation of Secretary Garcia-Frasco” the manifesto said.

Nominated

Meanwhile, Cebu island has had been nominated for most desirable “region” recognition in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.

The Wanderlust Awards is sponsored by the United Kingdom’s longest-running travel magazine, the Wanderlust Travel Magazine, the Department of Tourism announced yesterday.

Cebu is competing against 34 other areas worldwide for the Most Desirable Region (Rest of the World). There is also a separate division for European cities and countries.

A portion of the voting list though also specified “Others” for voters who may opt to vote in another area not listed as nominees.

Palawan, on the other hand, is nominated for the Most Desirable Island (Rest of the World) award.

The Philippines as a whole is also being nominated for the Most Desirable Country award.

One can also input the Philippines as a place for adventure, Nature and Wildlife, Culture and Heritage, Gastronomy, and sustainable experience.

“Let your voice be heard! Cast your vote for our country and its lovely destinations at the 22nd annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards sponsored by UK's longest-running travel magazine, the Wanderlust Travel Magazine,” as announced by DOT’s Facebook page.

Amidst the controversy with its new campaign, DOT continues to carry the Love the Philippines.

“Let's showcase our collective love for the Philippines by visiting these links here: bit.ly/3Cywha4.” — Le Phyllis F. Antojado, Correspondent Jonnavie Villa, CNU Intern (FREEMAN)