Cebu officials back new tourism slogan

CEBU CITY—Provincial officials yesterday appealed for public support to the new tourism slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines” initiated by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

“We may have diverging and conflicting views amongst us in our country and we project ourselves to the outside world, let us present a unified front,” Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said.

“In the final analysis, it’s not about my taste or your taste, it’s all about what is good for our country. And what is good for our country is good for Filipinos. And so let’s start having fun in the Philippines,” Garcia said.

The DOT slogan might have been introduced in Switzerland, but Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, who is also chair of the provincial board’s tourism committee, said it did not mean the Philippines could not adopt it.

Magpale told reporters that compared to the previous slogan, “Pilipinas Kay Ganda,” the new slogan was more “fit.” Tourism evolves from time to time, she said, adding that it was time the country adopt another slogan.

She cited Cebu’s slogan “Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo” (Going Around Cebu) on Camotes Island. After using “Discover Camotes Island,” she said provincial officials were looking for other slogans since, according to its residents, the island has been “discovered.”

She also said Cebu could also adopt “It’s more fun in the Philippines. Visit Cebu.”

Magpale noted the need for more infrastructure and hotel facilities in the province. Citing Camotes as an example, she said a “reliable” sea transport was paramount.