TACLOBAN CITY-Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez expressed his dismay over the ad fiasco of the Department of Tourism’s ‘Love Philippines’ tourism campaign.
Gomez, a former actor, said that he was surprised that stock footage from other countries was used in the tourism promotional campaign of the DOT.
“You are promoting your own country but (you) used materials from other countries. Ang dami-daming magagandang lugar sa Pilipinas. The Philippines is a beautiful country,” he said.
Gomez said that he hope that this blunder could be corrected soon so the tourism industry of the country could be promoted well, both here and abroad.
“I hope this can be corrected. I hope they will come up with a strong campaign and make our own materials and show how beautiful our country is,” the Leyte solon said.
The ‘Love Philippines’ tourism campaign of the Department of Tourism came under fire after it was discovered that it used stock footage purportedly depicting Philippine sceneries only to be found out belonging to other countries.
Gomez has been promoting his district, particularly Ormoc City, as a tourist haven.
The fourth district of Leyte is where Kalanggaman Island is located and is considered to be Eastern Visayas top tourist destination.
The island, known for its sandbar, is located in Palompon.
The ‘Love Philippines’ gained criticism after it was discovered that its materials used stock footage from other countries like Switzerland and Thailand.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, as part of the corrective measures, fired the advertisement agency though said that the campaign ‘Love Philippines’ will continue despite some opposition.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
