DOT: ‘20 reasons’ video has valid points

HE may have found 20 things he disliked about the Philippines, but the country has more than 20, even 100 good things going for it.

Regional Director Rowena Montecillo of the Department of Tourism in Central Visayas (DOT-7) said this in response to the video posted by American Jimmy Sieczka titled “20 Reasons Why I Dislike The Philippines.”

The video, which was shot in Cebu City, has been getting the attention of TV and the news media after gaining many Internet viewers.

Jimmy said he’s been living and working in Cebu for more than three years now. The video featured landmarks like the Larsian barbecue joint and bars around Mango Avenue.

Jimmy’s complaints ranged from dirty sidewalks, unsanitary food, uncomfortable toilets, unfinished buildings, lazy security guards and unregulated traffic.

The video directed by American Michael Goodman was first posted in the website channelfix.com last Wednesday.

Montecillo said the DOT-7 is taking Jimmy’s criticism positively since the video showed what needs to be improved and changed in the province.

Montecillo said the DOT-7 welcomes any comments, including criticism and especially suggestions.

“I don’t think there are perfect tourist destinations and we would welcome any suggestion…This should bring us, the different agencies to sit down and really see what we can do about all of these things,” she told Cebu Daily News.

Montecillo said she understands criticism from tourists who had their share of bad experiences in the country.

“They complained about being robbed or cheated by taxi drivers…even if that’s not our concern, the DOT is involved,” she said.

Montecillo said the DOT will double efforts in developing new products and projects to draw tourists, train frontliners like tourist guides, and check food sanitation with personnel that operate tourist hangouts.

Montecillo said she was confident that Jimmy’s video won’t affect Cebu’s tourism, because she believes it will be outweighed by the positive things Cebu has to offer

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, who chairs the Provincial Board (PB) tourism committee, said she still has to see the video for herself.

She said anyone is free to express their sentiments online.

“We in the province, will try to make sure we find out those 20 reasons. Social media is really revolutionizing everything. But of course we’ll listen and we’ll l validate if these things are really legitimate complaints,” Magpale said.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young urged Filipinos to stop posting hate comments about Jimmy and work on areas for improvement instead.

He said Mayor Michael Rama should make it one of his 300 concerns for the city.

“We should take this in a positive manner and try to correct it,” Young said.

Cebu City Councilor Margot Osmeña, who chairs the council tourism committee, wasn’t pleased with the video.

“If there is much that he dislikes about Cebu, why does he stay? (We’re) willing to listen to him and his suggestions,” she said in a text message sent to Cebu Daily News.

Tourists and Cebu City residents had mixed comments about the video.

Daniel Sieber, a German tourist who came to Cebu to volunteer for a non-government organization (NGO) said he won’t post anything like that video online.

“I think what the guy (Jimmy) did was rude, I mean, people will really find it offensive. I have nothing bad to say about the Philippines. I love the Philippines, I love Cebu. The people here are very nice and friendly,” he said.

Twitter user Rocky Zafranco posted in his account, “Wow! So, does that mean you’re so perfect to misjudge us? Think please.”

Facebook user Sid Benedicto posted his statement, “What’s your business telling Facebook you don’t like Cebu. First why are you there?”

Another user Cindy Quiñones said Jimmy has points but he delivered them in an offensive manner.

Shari Jullia Gonzalez, a Cebuano youth leader described the video as an eye-opener.

“I think the things shown in the video were real. This should serve as a wake-up call for all of us, especially our government officials to actually do something about these things,” she said.