Manila Earthquake - March 25, 2010
March 25, 2010Manila Earthquake
As of 3:00 pm / March 25, 2010
At around 1:30pm, Thursday, March 25, 2010, tremors shook parts of Luzon.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 6.1 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located northeast of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.
The shock was also felt at various intensities in Manila, Batangas, Bataan, Olongapo and neighboring areas.
There have been no reports of damages to property, as well as injuries or casualties, and no issuance of tsunami warnings.
Commercial activities and public services in the surrounding provinces and cities are unhampered.
Major tourist destinations and establishments in the tourism industry such as transportation services, hotels, resorts, shopping centers, and restaurants, continue their normal operations.
The country remains safe to foreign and local guests.
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Office of the Undersecretary for Planning & Promotions
Department of Tourism - Manila
Tel. No. 524-1694
Climate Change: A Tourism Issue As Well
March 10, 2010As climate change could wreak havoc to the world’s weather patterns, it should also be a major concern for tourism, said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano at the sidelines of the recently concluded ‘Eco-Mismo: The Philippine Conference on Ecotourism and Eco-Productivity’ held at the Marco Polo Plaza in Cebu City.
Durano explained, “As an archipelago, our waters are our competitive advantage as a travel destination. The forecasted climate-change induced rise of water several meters off our coastlines will have most of our resort destinations submerged; thus making this global phenomenon a great concern as well for the local tourism sector.”
Environmental expert Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, chief executive officer of the World Wildlife Fund Philippines, pointed out during his presentation at the Eco-Mismo conference that the volume of tourist arrivals could indeed drop as climate change starts to drastically affect the country’s coastlines.
Tan said that climate change 50 years from now will make sea levels rise gradually from four to 12-meter high. This, Tan said, means that all coastal communities including a great part of Mactan Island is likely to be phased out by the year 2047; key tourism facilities in the province – the airport, coastal highways, as well as historical landmarks and natural sites such as beaches – will be under water.
Tan also pointed out the scenario of coral bleaching due to increase in sea surface temperature. There will also be ocean acidification and more intense tropical cyclones due to climate change.
Durano said, “Looming effects of climate change are realities we did not factor in the previous years. These problems have not been realized by the people. To be able to address these, there is an urgent need to educate the public first to gain cooperation on how we can solve the problem as a community – as a country.”
The objective should be to drum up support for a collaborative effort to address the issue of climate change, stressed Durano. A change in mindset would make communities see the resources around them as something they can use in the long run. This, Durano said, could produce “a new economy that is more sustainable as compared to the old social and economic structure.”
The Eco-Mismo conference was organized by the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV), established by former president Fidel V. Ramos, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of peace and development in the country, in partnership with the DOT and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
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One of the country’s premier beach destinations, Boracay Island, is also among the high risk areas with the devastating effects of climate change. Tourism Secretary Ace Durano’s advocacy is pushing fro sustainable tourism development and responsible travel, so future generations can still enjoy the country’s treasures.
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Alan Cajes, Managing Director of the Center for Sustainable Human Development, development Academy of the Philippines, gave an interesting discussion on Eco-Productivity, noting the above figure, a comparative map of the Philippines showing the extent of forest cover lost from the period of 1900-1999.
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Office of the Undersecretary for Planning & Promotions
Department of Tourism - Manila
Tel. No. 524-1694
Broader Tourism Data Analysis To Boost Economy
February 28, 2010The Department of Tourism (DOT) further reinforced its technical assessment of tourism traffic to the country to capture the aggregate and accurate state of tourism and its contribution to the economy.
“We have expanded our assessment to include a more systematic and in-depth analysis of top destinations to provide a clearer insight on the tourism movements throughout the country. Understanding these movements allows us to create strategies to further support the development of these destinations. This system also creates awareness for these places in the national level,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.
Top destinations are referred to as those that have at least 100,000 foreign tourists annually and have received substantial tourism-related investments.
Since its adoption in 2008, the new system has propelled several previously unknown local sites to the main tourism circuit, such as Camsur, which enjoyed a 117.25% growth in foreign and domestic arrivals in 2009.
The tourism chief added that the enhanced system also aims to empower local government units (LGU) to gather information and generate ideas for tourism development in their area.
“We have actively engaged in a campaign, with the help of Japan, to train local officers in monitoring tourism traffic in their respective destinations. Empowering them builds up their capacity to create policies and strategies to stimulate tourism and boost livelihood in their areas,” explained Durano.
Since 2006, the DOT has maintained a partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a statistical-capacity building program in the local government level. The ongoing campaign, called the DOT-JICA Technical Cooperation Program Management (TCPM), taps more than 100 LGUs to standardize their data collection methodology which is used to analyze tourism information culled from hotels, resorts and other tourism accommodations in their areas.
According to Director Alan Cañizal of the Tourism Development Planning, “The campaign capitalizes on the more attuned perception of locals for mining information about their sites. It also generates consciousness among community members, from the top to the grassroots, to manage their own destination and help promote it.”
DOT’s new documentation process has also started integrating data collected from the newly-released arrival/departure cards (A/D). Bearing more detailed information on passengers, the new A/D cards include questions on Type of Accommodation, Education/ Training, Official Mission, Religion/ Pilgrimage, Health, and Transit.
“More details on travellers will certainly help us create new and relevant products for our regular and niche markets. We are moving towards a fresh, revitalized approach,” said Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr.
“These innovations are logical and necessary if we want to keep up with the ever- changing market trends. With this detailed breakdown and analysis of data, the tourism industry is able to respond to needs, create demand and serve our foreign and local tourists.
All these lead to a more robust tourism industry which translates to more jobs for Filipinos,” Durano said.
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Office of the Undersecretary for Planning & Promotions
Department of Tourism - Manila
Tel. No. 524-1694
Survivor Israel Films Sequel in Caramoan
February 16, 2010
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Office of the Undersecretary for Planning & Promotions
Department of Tourism - Manila
Tel. No. 524-1694
Russians Troop to RP Spa, Dive Sites
February 12, 2010Following their arrival in the country to celebrate the New Year, Russians have been seen in droves at the country’s top spa and wellness sites and dive destinations.
“Our Russian tourists have initially planned to celebrate the holidays here and escape the harsh winter in their country. But our premiere spa sites and dive destinations have persuaded them to stay much longer,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.
Russia’s major travel stakeholders, Sputnik Travel and Magellan Tours, and local ground handler Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, brought the guests to Boracay, Cebu, Bohol and Puerto Galera.
Some of the premiere resorts in the said destinations offered the local ‘hilot’ or Filipino style of massage to the tourists.
“More than just your typical massage, our hilot is an age-old ritual that aptly captures the Filipino touch. It relaxes both mind and spirit, and the use of local herbal oils and remedy makes it truly traditional,” shared Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions.
The group was likewise composed of seasoned divers who explored the country’s top dive spots.
“Our guests noted the diversity of our dive spots. From the giant thresher sharks, to the macro pygmy seahorses; mile-long wide coral-reefs to century-old wrecks, we have them,” said Durano.
The temperature of the water at 25-degrees Celsius was also a come-on for the divers.
“There is so much to see down there, and our warm waters allow them to enjoy the view longer,” added Jarque.
The Russian divers were treated to Boracay’s coral paradise, Cebu’s giant whales and sharks, Bohol’s bustling marine life, and Puerto Galera’s wreck of war ships.
“We have a lot of repeat visitors from this group. And our partners from the private sector informed us that the Russian travel operators are determined to continue this program throughout the year,” said Verna Buensuceso, DOT Head of Team Europe.
More than 300 Russian tourists flew to the country late last year through specialized chartered flights. The DOT has managed to secure several tour groups in the last quarter of the year through its aggressive promotions in the Russian market. Recently, South Cross, Capital Tours and Paks, three of the concerned market’s largest travel wholesalers, were in the country to launch their Philippine tour packages and announce their bookings of several tour groups.
The department has likewise pushed for the signing of the bilateral air agreement between the two countries, prompting the amendment of the RP-Russia Air Services (ASA) to allow all Russian carriers to unlimited flight frequencies to any 3 points in the Philippines.
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Office of the Undersecretary for Planning & Promotions
Department of Tourism - Manila
Tel. No. 524-1694
Tourism Growth Seen as Transport Industry Picks Up
February 10, 2010–
Office of the Undersecretary for Planning & Promotions
Department of Tourism - Manila
Tel. No. 524-1694
DOT Lauds Caticlan Airport Expansion
February 4, 2010 The Department of Tourism (DOT) is extending its full support to the Caticlan airport expansion project which, upon completion, is expected to accommodate 1.2M passengers annually, from its present capacity of 700,000. “One of the world’s best beaches deserves a first-class airport. We join Boracay’s stakeholders in upholding this milestone as it aims to haul in a sizeable traffic of tourists and create more jobs for the people,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism. The DOT and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) were present at the project’s recent groundbreaking led by President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo.
The P2.507B Build, Operate and Transfer project granted to private consortium Caticlan International Airport Development Company (CIADC) began its first of three construction phases, which cover a total 7-year period. The long-term infrastructure development includes addition of a second-level to the terminal building; upgrading of facilities such as the fire station, fencing and navigational aids; tapering of the bordering hill adjacent to the runway, lengthening and widening of the runway, installation of navigation and air traffic tower, and construction of a new 9,200 square-meter two-storey terminal building.
From 950 meters by 30 meters, the runway will be upgraded to 2,100 meters by 45 meters. “The widening and lengthening of the runway will allow bigger aircrafts such as the Airbus to bring in more passengers straight to Caticlan,” said Durano. The airport is currently limited to one way landing or take-off for smaller planes due to the constricted landing strip. Environmental issues raised against the development have been promptly addressed, according to Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Tourism Planning and Promotions. “An Environment Compliance Certificate was issued already, four years prior to the project launch,” said Jarque.
The DOT further maintains that there will be no leveling or flattening of the hill involved in the runway expansion, but rather a tapering of the adjacent slope to ensure passenger safety during take-off. “The slope reduction is necessary to avoid the abrupt degree of ascent for bigger planes. This proposal was preceded by a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment,” added Attorney Victoria Jasmin, DOT Director of Office of Tourism Standards.
In 2009, Boracay received nearly 700,000 tourists from all over the country and the world.
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Office of the Undersecretary for Planning & Promotions
Department of Tourism - Manila
Tel. No. 524-1694
Boracay Undergoing Ecological ‘Makeover’ with Infra Program
February 3, 2010
The Philippines’ premier tourism destination Boracay Island is experiencing a much-needed ‘makeover’ with the on-going comprehensive infrastructure program which will to provide100% water supply and sewerage coverage to the entire community.
Increased water efficiency will make a significant difference to the island, ensuring the availability of safe, potable water, and addressing the concern of water pollution, a concern in Boracay for sometime.
The project is spearheaded by the Boracay Island Water Company, Inc. (BIWC), a joint venture company between Manila Water Company, Inc. and the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).
Established through a MOA signed in April 2009 with DOT Secretary Ace Durano and Manila Water Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala as key witnesses, the JV company will develop and operate the existing Boracay Water Supply and Sewerage System (BWSS) in Malay, Aklan.
Durano said the public- private sector partnership can be likened to a ‘grand slam win,’ noting four key factors such as “support infrastructure as an integral component of sustainable tourism development; the elimination of the water and sewerage constraint, benefiting both existing and new investments in the island; protection and conservation of the natural beauty of Boracay; and the creation of new jobs for locals.”
He also disclosed, “In 2009, there were 4,000 additional rooms in Boracay alone. More flights are also available, and while this signals a vibrant market, we want to ensure that the island can cope with the increasing demand from tourists, more so now that the global economy is on a gradual upswing.”
At present, there are 3,500 water connections, 700 of which are owned by commercial establishments in Boracay.
Under the joint venture, the authorized capital stock of the JV Company shall be PhP300 million whereby Manila Water’s equity contribution shall be 80% while PTA’s equity contribution shall be 20%. Durano also mentioned that the JV Company shall design, build, operate and upgrade the water and sewerage facilities of Boracay.
The signed agreement creating the JV company is in accordance with the terms and requirements of the 2008 NEDA Joint Venture Guidelines for Government Corporations and the Private Sector.
“Preserving the island’s ecological wealth is our foremost priority. Promoting the sought-after destination to travelers also entails guaranteeing that the island can provide safe water to the local community and to tourists,” noted Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr.
Manila Water has an existing concession in the East Zone of Metro Manila with a customer base of around 5.6 million people. Since the start of operations in 1997, the company has already increased 24-hour water coverage to 99 percent from 26 percent and reduced water losses from 63 percent to less than 20 percent at present.
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Office of the Undersecretary for Planning & Promotions
Department of Tourism - Manila
Tel. No. 524-1694
P36-Billion Tourism Investments in ‘09
January 14, 2010Between January - November 2009, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has listed P36-billion worth of endorsed investments composed of tourism-related facilities and establishments, generating 15,000 jobs and 4,000 additional rooms.
“These projects mean strong investor confidence, more jobs and a gainful economy. Tourism is bound to have a positive year,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.
Endorsed to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and the Bureau of Investments (BOI), the list is composed of projects which include the Eagle Entertainment City and Bagong Nayong Pilipino Entertainment City in Paranaque; M Hotel in Binondo; Remington Hotel in Pasay; Big Cedar Hotel in Malate; Microtel Inns and Suites in Pasig; The Bayleaf Hotel Manila in Intramuros; Go Hotels-Cybergate in Mandaluyong; Newport Entertainment and Commercial Center in Makati, Highlander Hotel and Resort in Nueva Vizcaya, Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital and Dasoland: A Family Adventure Park in Pangasinan, Green Canyon Eco-tourism Park in Tarlac, Clark Wakeboard Camp in Angeles; Sheridan Beach Resort and Convention Center, A & A Hotel Special Tourism Zone, Cagdanao Resort, West Villa Resort, Cuyo Land Villa and El Nido Adventure Sports in Palawan; Embarcadero de Legazpi Special Tourism Zone in Legazpi, Akean Resorts in Aklan, Ilawod Estate Tourism Zone in Iloilo, Costa de Leticia Resort and Spa, Museum and Art Gallery, Marine Sports and Leisure Center, and Caracalla Spa in Cebu; and expansion of Garden Orchid Hotel Annex in Zamboanga. A few of the listed facilities had a groundbreaking in mid 2009, while others are set to open beginning 2010 – 2014.
Durano likewise noted the strong diversity of these investments, which have been classified into Accommodations, Resorts, Medical Tourism facilities, Sports and Recreational facilities and Agri-tourism facilities.
“Upon registration with the BOI, these tourism endorsed projects are eligible to avail of an income tax holiday for 4-6 years, and duty-free importation of selected capital equipment for operation of accommodations and facilities,” stated Attorney Victoria Jasmin, DOT Director of Office of Tourism Standards.
The DOT urges the business community to invest in tourism estates, accommodation facilities, retirement villages, healthcare and wellness products and services, ecotourism and agri-tourism projects as a response to the global demand for an integrated development in the industry.
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Office of the Undersecretary for Planning & Promotions
Department of Tourism - Manila
Tel. No. 524-1694
DOT Secures New Charter Flights to Russia
December 9, 2009
The new chartered flights follow the amendment of the 1992 RP-Russia Air Services (ASA), to allow all Russian carriers to unlimited flight frequencies from any 3 points in Russia to 3 points in the Philippines, namely Manila, Clark, and another destination (such as Cebu, Davao, Iloilo) and vice-versa. Under the old 1992 ASA, RP and a designated Russian air carrier had one flight per week, via Manila-Moscow route.
The said bilateral air services agreement had been previously endorsed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Tourism Secretary Ace Durano to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in June 2009 during President Arroyo’s attendance at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
“We have intensively campaigned to open the Philippine skies further to address the influx of Russian tourists. We can certainly look forward to a bright year ahead for this market,” said Durano.
The tourism chief likewise believed that previous efforts such as the salvos of familiarization tours, and travel trade missions have more than captured the market, but have also given rise to a close strong business portfolio for the country.
“With the long winter coming, we expect more tourists trooping to our tropical beaches. And we also see a rise in leisure destinations, as more than 80 percent of Russians come from the high-end market,” said Eduardo Jarque Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions.
Jarque further said that previous deliberations with the market have prompted three big Russian travel wholesalers, South Cross, Paks, and Capital Tours to launch packages to Cebu, Bohol, Palawan and Boracay, “We are expecting the arrival of several major tour groups from these operators next year.”
Capital Tours is considered the largest travel wholesaler in Russia; while Paks is a specialist travel agency targeting long-haul travelers and South Cross a multi-destination tour operator.
The DOT had recently hosted Capital Tours’ first Director’s Tour Program, the highlight of which was the company’s launch of Philippine tour packages. Inna Beltyukova, Capital Tours General Director said, “Your pristine beaches and sunny tropical climate are very ideal to our tourists.”
One of the longest-staying and high-spending markets, the Russians are high up in the list of DOT’s arrivals.
The ASA pact, which is “set to facilitate and intensify two-way tourism, trade and investment, and cultural exchanges through the opening of direct flights between the Philippines and Russia,” was formally signed last December 1, 2009, with Deputy Minister for Transport Valeriy Mikhailovich Okulov representing the Russian government.
The number of flights and the approval of fifth-freedom air rights, which indicates the right of the carrier to pick up passengers from a third country before proceeding to its destination, rest on the agreement between the civil aviation authorities of the two countries.
Department of Tourism - Manila
Tel. No. 524-1694
