Promoting the Philippines

The Philippines is home to multiple cultures and traditions that have drawn international interest. It is considered a perfect example of a “mixed economy,” engaged as it is in agriculture, manufacture of garments and pharmaceutical products, electronics exports, etc. And then there’s its top potential—its tourist spots.

Without a doubt, we have established a good reputation when it comes to our interpersonal relations with foreign visitors. Many tourists find Filipinos very hospitable, and this impression is obviously an edge.

I’m currently working at an academic institution’s Office of International Relations as a coordinator for exchange students. My post demands good public relations skills, and if it’s any consolation, I’m glad that I’m required to deal with different people. My responsibility as a coordinator involves handling and managing foreign students’ academic demands and the like, and I believe I have an excellent opportunity to promote my country well.

Apart from their studies, foreign students in my university like to travel around the country every weekend, or during their free time. I personally encourage them to explore our beautiful islands. In this simple manner of pointing visitors in the right direction, I can say that I’m saving my country by strengthening its economic power through local tourism.

Being the Pearl of the Orient, the Philippines has much to offer, from year-round festivals to rich culture to natural wonders. But its distinct beauty will not equate to a guaranteed upward movement in the economy if we can’t promote it genuinely.

To illustrate my point, let me share my brief conversation with a French student who was at that time complaining about the weather. He came into my office all sweaty and bemoaning the scorching temperature. I told him that he was about to experience the fun of summer and that it would be more fun if he could find a perfect beach to enjoy. While talking, I showed him a travel brochure showcasing the beauty of some of our islands, with photographs of people frolicking on white-sand beaches. He began asking a few questions about the islands.

The next day, before I could realize the effect of my pep talk, the French student sent an e-mail informing me that he had just booked a flight to El Nido in Palawan and that he was excited about his trip.

The idea is to project a positive mindset and to develop a strategic way of countering negative opinions on our country. Of course, more tourists and good tourism also mean, among other things, more effective means of transport to carry them around, as well as more travel guides to educate them on our natural wonders and resources.

The effective promotion of tourism will mean a significant movement in our economic chart. This is not a rocket-science mission but more of a collective initiative in which everyone can actively participate.

I’ll be welcoming more foreign students this school year, and I’ll be more than glad to introduce my country to them.

Marshal Q. Murillo, 23, is pursuing a master’s degree in public management at the Ateneo School of Government.