DoT to launch global ad campaign with Boracay as ‘more environment-friendly’ destination
THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DoT) is preparing to launch a new global advertising campaign, in time for the Oct. 26 reopening of Boracay Island, which will be showcased as a more “environment-friendly” destination.
“When you look at it overall, we really have to make sure that when we roll it out, when we relaunch Boracay, it would be a better destination, more environment-friendly, and it will be more secure and we have to make sure that, more important than anything else, we avoid the problems that led to its closure in the first place,” DoT Spokesperson and Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito C. Bengzon Jr. said in a statement.
The worldwide advertising campaign will also be complemented by strengthened promotions for various Philippine destinations.
“The fact that we have kept ourselves afloat is a very strong reflection of how resilient the industry is, how quick we are to make adjustments with our marketing and promotions and I think, also a very strong communication of how prepared the other destinations are in welcoming the influx of tourists who otherwise would have gone to Boracay,” Mr. Bengzon said.
DoT recorded 3.706 million foreign arrivals in the first half of 2018, which Mr. Bengzon said is indicative that the industry in “well on track with its 7.4 million target” for the year.
Palace says Piñol still has Duterte’s trust
MALACAÑANG ON Thursday said Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol still has the trust and confidence of President Rodrigo R. Duterte despite a call by lawmakers for his resignation because of his proposal that rice smuggling in the southwestern part of Mindanao be “legalized.”
“Unless fired, yes!” Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. told reporters in a text message when asked if Mr. Piñol still enjoys the President’s trust and confidence amid the controversy.
In another statement, Mr. Roque said, “We understand Agriculture Secretary Piñol was misquoted on the issue of legalized smuggling of rice in Zamboanga.”
“The recommendation of the Department of Agriculture (DA) is to establish a rice trading post where government can collect customs duty on legally imported rice with import permit from the National Food Authority (NFA). We also understand that the amount of imports to be allowed will be enough to cover the needs of the ZamBaSulTa (Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi Tawi) area,” he added.
At the same time, Mr. Roque said the government expects “the rice situation normalizing because the main harvest is beginning to come in by next month.”
Meanwhile, Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Senate committee on agriculture and food chairperson, said in an interview with reporters, “It’s not my option to make him resign, it’s the wish of the President. Ako (Me) I’m just pointing out na (that) we’re not happy.” — Arjay L. Balinbin
>> See related story on http://www.bworldonline.com/p2b-revenue-seen-from-regulated-rice-trading-in-zambasulta/
3 more Dengvaxia-related cases filed
THREE NEW cases on deaths due allegedly to Dengvaxia vaccination were filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday.
Named as respondents are former Health secretary Janette L. Garin, several other government officials, Dengvaxia manufacturer Sanofi Pastuer, Inc., and distributor Zuellig Pharma Corp.
The charges are reckless imprudence resulting to homicide, violation of anti-torture act, and violation of consumer protection act for the deaths of Clarissa Alcantara, Erico Leabres, and Christine Mae de Guzman.
This brings the number of Dengvaxia-related charges to Dengvaxia 15.
Public Attorneys Office (PAO) Chief Persida V. Rueda-Acosta, speaking to reporters after the filing, said they found common patterns in the signs and symptoms among the three victims.
“Same pattern, common pattern. Bago mabakunahan (before vaccination), they appear to be healthy. No history of bleeding… hemorrhages. Pero nung mabakunahan (after vaccination), common signs and symptoms: headache, pamumutla (paleness), vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea.”
Ms. Garin, sought for comment, said, “The new cases as well as the ones previously filed are all baseless and not supported by expert medical testimony. The PAO is giving false hopes to the poor parents who do not fully understand the medical basis of their complaint. They are being misled by PAO doctors who are not pathologists nor experts in vaccinology.”
“The actions of PAO should in fact be questioned before the Ombudsman for causing undue prejudice to the government’s health programs,” she added.
In a press conference, PAO Forensic Chief Erwin P. Erfe said there is a group of doctors and lawyers who are also planning to file a complaint against incumbent Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III seeking to revoke his medical license and bring the case before the International Criminal Court.
Mr. Erfe said the charges would be based on Mr. Duque’s alleged negligence over Dengvaxia vaccine recipients who have died.
In response, Mr. Duque told reporters that the complaints are “baseless.”
“I do not know what they’re talking about, I consider such actions as totally baseless, malicious… these are nuisance complaints meant to distract me from doing my varying important job of protecting the health of the Filipino people.” — Vann Marlo M. Villegas
