DOT Backs Manila Bay Rehab

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday expressed full support for the government’s initiative to clean-up and revive the polluted Manila Bay by replicating the same rehabilitation strategy used in Boracay.

In a statement, the agency noted that such efforts “are for the best interest of the tourism industry” and are in line with their thrust to inspire “a culture of sustainable tourism” among the stakeholders and visitors.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday announced the clean-up of Manila Bay’s shoreline, warning hotels in the area to refrain from dumping their waste into the sea or else face closure.

The DOT said it will strengthen partnership with the private sector, as well as with the national and local government agencies, to ensure that all concerned parties are in sync towards the goal of ensuring the Philippine tourism’s “sustainable development and management”.

“Together with the inter-agency task force that has transformed Boracay into a model of sustainability, consultations and dialogues will be pursued to ensure that accredited tourism establishments in all parts of the country will conform with the highest standards pf environmental conservation,” the agency’s statement read. (PNA)