Sunday, October 13, 2013

PH unearths newest gems


PH unveils its newest Gems

Calaguas, Biri, Danjugan, Batanes Islands and more are emerging tourist spots
DANJUGAN: Danjugan Island in Negros Occidental is a 43-hectare glory that is rich in marine and terrestrial biodiversity. (Photo by:  Gerardo Ledesma)
DANJUGAN: Danjugan Island in Negros Occidental is a 43-hectare glory that is rich in marine and terrestrial biodiversity. (Photo by: Gerardo Ledesma)
LAKE SEBU: Who says the whole region of Mindanao is dangerous? Fall in love with the beauty of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato. (Photo by: Jojie Alcantara)
LAKE SEBU: Who says the whole region of Mindanao is dangerous? Fall in love with the beauty of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.
(Photo by:
Jojie Alcantara)
Baguio or Boracay? If you cannot decide which among the traditional tourist spots to visit, why not try the recently-named emerging Philippine Gems that also offer unspoiled and pristine natural wonders but devoid of the crowd and the noise.
The 10 new Philippine Gems or the next mainstream destinations in the country include Batanes, Apo Island in Negros Oriental, Panglao in Bohol, Danjugan Island in Negros Occidental, Mt. Kanlaon, Biri Island Rock Formation in Northern Samar, Caramoan in Camarines Sur, Tubbataha Reef, Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, and Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte. These places were recognized by the private company Isla Lipana & Co. in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DoT)Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).
The recent statistics from the DoT showed that it has breached its targeted three million tourist arrivals from January to August 2013. According to the DoT data, there were 3.2 million foreign visitors for the first eight months. The DoT has set a target of five million or more tourist arrivals by the end of the year.  The numbers will likely go higher given the newest gems of the country.
“The search for the 10 Philippine Gems envisions the upholding of both domestic and foreign tourism that would hopefully encourage business investments. The Philippine Gems steer awareness and appreciation for the country’s pristine and natural sites, even the underdeveloped ones. In our modest way, we aim for these places to gain local and international attention, and in due course, greater economic activity,” said Alexander Cabrera, Isla Lipana & Co. Chairman.
The project aims to showcase the country’s good side to the world, such as its well-preserved wonders. The recognition of the newest Philippine Gems will also help local governments in preserving these places and promote sustainable growth and development.
Now that the 10 Philippine Gems are named, Cabrera said that they will turn over the project to DoT to connect with the local government units concerned to spur and boost the development in the areas.
The 10 newest emerging sites were chosen via an open public online voting conducted from June 26 to August 9.

For more information, visit www.philippinegems.com
MT. KANLAON: Negros’ Mt. Kanlaon is the highest peak in Central Visayas. (Photo by: Maximus Jovi)
MT. KANLAON: Negros’ Mt. Kanlaon is the highest peak in Central Visayas. (Photo by: Maximus Jovi)
PANGLAO: There’s more to Bohol than the tarsier and the Chocolate Hills. Try to visit Panglao Island and marvel at its beauty. (Photo by: Noel Pabalate)
PANGLAO: There’s more to Bohol than the tarsier and the Chocolate Hills. Try to visit Panglao Island and marvel at its beauty. (Photo by: Noel Pabalate)
CARAMOAN: The isolated Caramoan Island in Camarines Sur is one of the country’s secret paradises waiting to be explored. (Photo by: Foz Brahma)
CARAMOAN: The isolated Caramoan Island in Camarines Sur is one of the country’s secret paradises waiting to be explored.
(Photo by: Foz Brahma)


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