DOT bags 2 ‘Best Video’ accolades at UN World Tourism Organization tiff

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines once again gained international recognition after two tourism videos produced by the Department of Tourism received special citations at the United Nations World Tourism Organization Video Competition 2023.

The video competition is part of this year’s General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The DOT’s “GINTO: Tourism Heroes for Palawan” won for the category Decade of Action which is recognizing how UNWTO member states are linking their promotional videos to the 2023 Agenda for Sustainable Development with reference to its 17 Global Goals or SDGs.

The tourism agency also earned accolade for its “GINTO: Tourism Hero of Zamboanga” for the Exceptional Stories of Sustainable Tourism category that looks into stories showing the human face of tourism and those who embody the positive social impact of the tourism industry.

The following is the full list of winners:

Decade of Action

Exceptional Stories

“Tourism Heroes,” according to DOT is a feature series covering the facets of the Philippines as a destination while championing the Filipino frontline workers and their inspiring stories in the field.  

It particularly features tourism frontline workers who have completed the agency’s flagship program, the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Training program.

The videos were produced by the DOT-Office of Public Affairs and Advocacy for the 50th anniversary of the department which was celebrated last July. It is directed and edited by Christian Lim, with the assistance of Denison Manuel, and written by Hanah Tabios and Ina Loyola

“GINTO: Tourism Heroes for Palawan” showcased the deaf and mute workers of Ka Inato restaurant in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, and how its owner, Eric John Yayen, has empowered persons with disabilities (PWD) by giving them training and employment opportunities like other regular workers.  

The resto owner collaborated with the DOT-MIMAROPA regional office to train workers on FBSE for deaf tourism workers in Palawan after employing PWDs as food servers and kitchen staff since the establishment of his restaurant.  

“Jhaynee and Alvin are just two of the many persons with disabilities