DOT bags 2 ‘Best Video’ accolades at UN World Tourism Organization tiff

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 6:27 a.m., Oct. 27, 2023) — The Philippines once again gained international recognition after two tourism videos produced by the Department of Tourism received special citations at the United Nations World Tourism Organization Video Competition 2023.

The video competition is part of this year’s General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The DOT’s “GINTO: Tourism Heroes for Palawan” won for the category Decade of Action which is recognizing how UNWTO member states are linking their promotional videos to the 2023 Agenda for Sustainable Development with reference to its 17 Global Goals or SDGs.

The tourism agency also earned accolade for its “GINTO: Tourism Hero of Zamboanga” for the Exceptional Stories of Sustainable Tourism category that looks into stories showing the human face of tourism and those who embody the positive social impact of the tourism industry.

The following is the full list of winners:

Decade of Action

• Africa: The Gambia- Welcome to Gambia 
• Americas: Panamá - Panamá vive por más 
• Asia and the Pacific: Philippines - Tourism Heroes of Palawan 
• Europe: Georgia - Stumari 
• Middle East: Oman - Experience Oman 

Exceptional Stories

• Africa: Kenya - Magical Kenya 
• Americas: Panama - Panamá vive por más 
• Asia and the Pacific: Philippines - Tourism Hero of Zamboanga City 
• Europe: Switzerland - My Swisstainable Journey - Ivano Künzli 
• Middle East: Egypt – Visit Esna 

“Tourism Heroes,” according to DOT is a feature series covering the facets of the Philippines as a destination while championing the Filipino frontline workers and their inspiring stories in the field.  

It particularly features tourism frontline workers who have completed the agency’s flagship program, the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Training program.

The videos were produced by the DOT-Office of Public Affairs and Advocacy for the 50th anniversary of the department which was celebrated in late June. It is directed and edited by Christian Lim, with the assistance of Denison Manuel, and written by Hanah Tabios and Ina Loyola

“GINTO: Tourism Heroes for Palawan” showcased the deaf and mute workers of Ka Inato restaurant in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, and how its owner, Eric John Yayen, has empowered persons with disabilities (PWD) by giving them training and employment opportunities like other regular workers.  

The resto owner collaborated with the DOT-MIMAROPA regional office to train workers on FBSE for deaf tourism workers in Palawan after employing PWDs as food servers and kitchen staff since the establishment of his restaurant.  

“Jhaynee and Alvin are just two of the many persons with disabilities working for the Philippine tourism industry, trained by the Department of Tourism. They are part of the workforce that continues to champion the heart and soul of The Philippines,” the video presentation said.

“On the 50th founding anniversary of the Philippine Department of Tourism, we honor and take pride of our outstanding Filipino tourism workers as we aim to reduce societal inequalities, leaving no one behind in this industry,” it added.

On the other hand, “GINTO: Tourism Hero of Zamboanga” featured the life of DOT-accredited Mindanaoan tour guide Errold Bayona and the paddlers of the Yellow Boat Project at the famed Sta. Cruz Island. They promoted Mindanao as a safe destination.  

“On the 50th founding anniversary of the Philippine Department of Tourism, we honor and take pride in our inspiring Filipino tourism workers like Errold, and recognize their efforts in promoting tourism that is inclusive and sustainable helping the local communities and everyone dependent on the industry,” the video presentation said.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco was delighted by the DOT’s victory, highlighting the need to recognize the Filipino tourism frontliners’ significance to the sector.

“It gives us pride and honor that The Philippines won both awards for two categories of this prestigious gathering of nations from across the globe. While we celebrate this win, we likewise emphasize how important it is to honor and prioritize our tourism frontline workers in all the undertakings of the industry. As our President himself said: The Filipino is our country’s greatest asset,” Frasco said.