DOT-7 backs printing of tourist spots on stamps

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Tourism-7 is supporting the move of a lawmaker to push for the printing of images of the country’s tourist destinations in postage stamps.

“This will surely promote and boost tourism in the country,” said DOT-7 Director Rowena Lu Montecillo.

Parañaque Representative Eric Olivarez has filed House Bill (HB) 2417 or “An act requiring the Philippine Postal Service (PhilPost) to print postage stamps depicting Philippine tourist spots and to require that these stamps be affixed on all outgoing mail matter for a certain period of time to attract foreign tourist and for other purposes.”

The bill, also known as the “Philippine Stamp Act of 2013,” requires the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board to assist PhilPost in identifying tourist spots to be depicted in the stamps.

However, because only a limited number of destinations will be featured, Montecillo is hopeful that priority will also be given to the spots in Central Visayas.

“I guess duna na ni kaniadto but then gibalik nila, maybe because they were re-thinking and reconsidered the importance of the postage stamps as a way of promoting the country,” she said.

In filing the bill, Olivarez said the move is also aimed at helping accelerate tourism promotion efforts in the country with the campaign slogan, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

He said the tourism is an industry that the national government relies on for the country to attain an industrialized status in Asia and promoting the tourist spots further will contribute to achieving this goal.

He said sending postage stamps depicting tourist spots would arouse interest for possible tourists without extra cost on the part of government.  HB 2417 was approved on second reading at the House of Representatives on September 25. — Ria Mae Y. Booc/JMO (FREEMAN)