DOT reminds public to be 'responsible tourists' in New Year's Eve revelries

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism reminded Filipinos who would be welcoming 2019 in national parks and public places to remain mindful of their environment.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat urged tourists to properly dispose of their trash and bring reusable water bottles to help minimize waste caused by plastic water bottles.

The DOT also encouraged the use of recyclable plastic food containers to avoid the use of plastic wrappers and tissue waste.

These are to “preserve the quality of our public destinations and for them to remain free-of-charge,” the DOT added.

In January this year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority collected three truckloads of trash after New Year’s Eve celebrations. Around 90,000 welcome 2018 at Luneta Park.

The Tourism department also reiterated that littering, smoking, vandalism, spitting or throwing of chewing gum on the ground and alcoholic beverages are not allowed inside national parks.

It added that violators would be punished accordingly.

Citizens' duty

Last week, the department lamented that Luneta Park was left with trash strewn around its area after Christmas. Around 12,000 individuals visited the park to celebrate.

“We would like to remind everyone that preserving our country's destinations is also the duty of its citizens. Let us be responsible tourists by throwing our trash in the proper trash bins,” the DOT added.

EcoWaste Coalition also said that it was dismayed with the lack of discipline of Filipinos who visited the park to celebrate Christmas.

“Kailan ba tayo magbabago? Ang pagkakalat ay isang masamang ugali na sumasalamin sa ating kawalang respeto at pagmamalasakit kay Inang Kalikasan at sa ating kapwa,” EcoWaste said.