Anchored on its mission to promote and preserve the different wonderful destinations in the Philippines, employees of Tourism Promotions Board recently visited Occidental Mindoro for a series of activities that safeguards the province’s cultural and natural wealth.
The “tour with a purpose” is part of TPB’s corporate social responsibility program. TPB is an attached agency of the Department of Tourism.
TPB employees participated in an underwater cleanup of the port of the town of Sablayan and mangrove planting at Barangay Poblacion. They also attended lectures on solid waste management and upcycling as well as talks on tamaraws at the Tamaraw Gene Pool Farm at Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park. They also met the indigenous people of Mindoro through immersion and a feeding program at a Mangyan Village.
Occidental Mindoro is located at the western part of the island of Mindoro. While agriculture is the main source of livelihood, its tourism industry is fast catching up with Oriental Mindoro where the white sand of Puerto Galera has been on the global tourist map for decades.
Dubbed as a marine wonderland, the province boasts of numerous islets, white sand beaches, dive spots, as well as the world’s second largest reef – the Apo Reef. It is also home to the mangyans who are the original inhabitants of Mindoro, and the critically-endangered tamaraw which is endemic to the island.
In fact, Occidental Mindoro has more than its fair share of natural wonders to satisfy nature lovers as well thrill-seekers. Its latest attraction, the Sablayan Zipline, is the world’s longest island-to-island zipline.
“The country’s biggest asset and best ambassadors are its people. With the CSR program, we are encouraging our employees to explore and discover for themselves the wonders and beauty of the Philippines”, said TPB chief operating officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III.
“And as employees and stakeholders, we need to take an active part in protecting and preserving our numerous tourist destinations,” he added.
Aside from Occidental Mindoro, TPB has had similar activities in Boracay, Bohol and Camiguin last year. By setting an example, TPB hopes to encourage each and every Filipino to help preserve the country’s cultural heritage and natural assets in whatever way they can, however small, which makes giving back to the community more fun in the Philippines.