Tourism as a Wholistic Development Strategy

"It's more fun in the Philippines." Indeed! I approve, I support this clever new tag line of Philippine tourism — a catch-all blurb that can be applied not only to tourism but also to business and investment strategies, and the project of attracting Filipino talents back to the homeland. I always say that the Philippines' natural beauty can easily offer (almost) all experiences tourists want and need.

Now, since tourism is a wholistic development strategy and process, it's time to make all government agencies coordinated and oriented towards the realization of this as a rallying slogan:

• NEDA, DBM, DOLE, DOF, DTI embodying it in the economic development strategy;

• DENR caring for our environment and making eco-tourism worthwhile;

• LGUs, DILG aligning local development plans with it;

• DFA facilitating and promoting it;

• DPWH, DOTC providing transportation and communications infrastructure and facilities;

• NAPC adopting it as a job creating program to address poverty;

• DSWD reaching out to tourists with a heart for philantrophy and volunteerism;

• DOH ensuring wellness;

• DND, PNP guaranteeing safety and security;

• NHI, DepEd making our history and museum and other important facts correct and interesting to know;

• DOST showcasing and enhancing Filipino science, technology, invention, innovation, and tacit knowledge;

• PAG-ASA, PhiVolcs coming up with accurate weather forecasts and scientific presentation about the country's geology;

• DAR, DA promoting and developing our agricultural goods and systems;

• DOE looking after energy needs and featuring alternative sources of energy;

• DOJ, BI, NBI dealing with immigration rules and services and intelligence. 

 And, of course, Filipinos home and abroad must believe in the beauty of our country and act and live with the principle and reality that "It's more fun in the Philippines!" :)