Tuesday, May 28, 2013

PH Wins New Frontiers Award for Typhoon Rebuilding Efforts



Wazzup Pilipinas!


The Philippines is a recipient of the New Frontiers Award 2013 at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism exhibition.

The New Frontiers Award started to be a main feature of the ATM six years ago, given to destinations that have surmounted great adversity to rebound its tourism industries. The award also gives tribute to the resilience of local communities to rebuild their lives, as well as bring attention to the crisis management and risk reduction practices of local authorities. It is the only citation extended during the event.

The Philippines was shortlisted, together with New York State (Hurricane Sandy) and Pakistan (2012 floods), among an original list of 10 nominees for outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity.


“The Philippines, its government and its people, has shown remarkable fortitude and a stoic determination to get both communities and the local economy back on track following the devastation wreaked by Typhoon Bopha late last year, and their resilience in the face of such a monumental crisis is commendable,” Mark Walsh said.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr., who led the Philippine delegation to ATM, received the award from Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions. The crystal trophy came along with free exhibition space at the ATM worth US$10,000. The delegation was composed of 14 organizations representing nine tour operators, four hotel and resort companies, and one airline company.

The award is in recognition of the continuing efforts to rebuild infrastructure and the tourism economy after Typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha) wrought havoc in December 2012. The catastrophe is deemed the world’s deadliest last year, leaving millions homeless and infrastructure and agricultural farms vastly damaged.

“The Philippine government, under the administration of President Aquino and the Department of Tourism have worked hand-in-hand to establish tourism as a major generator of income for the people and the country. At times of adversity, such as this, the determined spirit of our countrymen, supported by assistance from the international community, shines through and, it is this same spirit that is driving our tourism industry forward,” Assistant Secretary Bengzon Jr., said.

The first quarter arrivals from the Middle East region recorded a 22.1% gain over the same period last year. “We intend to attract more of the high-spending market from this region. Service providers are optimistic of the continued uptrend and are investing to take advantage of this windfall. Cebu Pacific has launched its first long-haul flight to Dubai to commence in October. Other airlines are to announce their services within the year,” Assistant Secretary Bengzon added.

“This award highlights the sheer resilience of our people and the resolve of all stakeholders to fast track recovery. We also are very thankful to the many countries and international agencies with their generosity to help in our rebuilding efforts. Our record-breaking performance and new highs of the industry clearly indicate that our partnerships are bearing fruit. Despite these crises, we remain undaunted and focused in showing our visitors that we are worth visiting,” DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.

“Indeed, what makes the Philippines more fun is its people. The bayanihan spirit, amplified during crisis, is a unique social phenomenon that will forever drive the Filipinos to remain steadfast and dependent on each other for strength, through good times and bad. That in the midst of great challenges, we still manage to put on a happy face,” Secretary Jimenez concluded.

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  3. Carl Vanne Anthony A. Cruz
    IV- Boyle

    I love the idea of how Filipinos continue the bayanihan spirit through the different generations. The hand-in hand help coming from each of us specially when we are in the mist of problems such as destruction from typhoons. It's wonderful the way other countries could recognize how Filipinos help each other to rebuild confidence and stand up from what were lost. Hopefully, people from the other nations wouldn't just recognize but imitate the values the Filipinos possess good. The sentence construction s finely good, easy to understand and can be read with ease. The paragraph organization is indeed properly arrange, does'nt just jumps from one thought to another.

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  4. It's good to know that the Philippines received an award for its efforts in rebuilding a devastated community. It's something that we should be proud of.

    The award also reflects some positive Filipino traits, giving Philippines a good image to other nations, good thing for us.

    I know that some Filipinos are just paying attention to the problems that we are having. It would be nice if we'll also give attention to these things, I think. I mean, let us also look at the positive things that we are receiving. Our country's blessed. There are a lot of reasons to be thankful.

    The article's okay. The details were clearly discussed in each paragraph. I don't think that there are problems in the sentences.

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  7. After reading this article, I am a lot more convinced that It's more fun in the Philippines! It's good to know that other countries appreciate an old Filipino trait, bayanihan. It's so likely for us Filipinos to still think positively and stand up again hand-in-hand even if we are facing such calamities and other devastating events. Kudos to the Department of Tourism too, without this productive Department, I don't think Philippines will be able to recover from these deadly calamities and have a stable economic status.Bottom line is, Philippines is a strong, resourceful and exceptionally persevering country. The article was constructed in an admirable manner, the facts were clearly stated.

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  8. Dear Ross,

    Thank you for spreading our messages. Please acknowledge your source next time.

    Evelyn Macacayayong

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