The Paradigm Of Sustainability

Determined to redeem itself after decades of contributing to the global plastic pollution, the Philippines continues to prime itself as the next icon of sustainable tourism, led by Department of Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat

- Elizabeth Ruth Deyro

The Philippines is a country of natural beauty— an archipelago of wondrous islands and idyllic beaches, majestic landforms and notable biodiversity. Add to these a rich history and an array of diverse cultures to make for a great tourist destination. Several of its scenic spots and cultural sites have, in fact, received recognition from international organisations, like the recent inclusion of the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan into the New7Wonders of Nature and certification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, these praises cannot erase the fact that the very nature we celebrate greatly agonises from our own abuse as well.

Human neglect towards nature is evident: wild animals facing extinction because of poaching, woodlands disappearing because of deforestation, fields becoming barren because of climate change. While most environmentally-abusive practices have already been criminalised—illegal logging and mining, dynamite fishing, and irresponsible destruction of coral reefs— their practice still abound, enough to leave our lands and seas scarred.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette “Berna” Romulo-Puyat says that the Philippines is a country that is “easy to sell,” including its people’s reputed hospitality and facility with the universal language.

But amid such environmental concerns, how can the DOT—and the government in general—promote the country in the global market? Local tourism is entirely dependent on the environment; photographs of beautiful sights lose their attraction when juxtaposed with those of piles of garbage accummulated from decades past.