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| (Image Source: Smile By Cebu Pacific Air) |
Amidst the continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Tourism (DOT) capped off a challenging 2020 with the launch of its new "Balikan Ang Pilipinas" campaign which encourages Balikbayans to travel to the Philippines this season and get to enjoy visiting the country's famous sites and tourist destinations with their loved ones. Headlining the said campaign was the online release of its official music video featuring the OPM song "Mundo" by IV of Spades rendered by the Loboc Children's Choir and cult-favorite Ciudad frontman Mikey Amistoso.
The music video which can be viewed below serenades and encourages balikbayans and local travelers to return and travel around their so-called 'mundo' or 'world' in English which is the Philippines. The simple act of returning home or travelling even if it's just one town, city, province or region will also mean the world to those working in the local tourism industry as they recover from the disruptions in their livelihood caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. DOT's "Balikan Ang Pilipinas" campaign aims to inform balikbayans on what they can expect and what to prepare upon returning and travelling home. Slated to run throughout the first quarter of 2021, the campaign will sport a dedicated microsite, unique tour packages and a special online-only event for them to enjoy.
"With the campaign, we welcome our balikbayans back home who now have the opportunity to be together with their families and friends. This is the chance for them to create new memories while visiting destinations that are now open and safe for tourists," said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. She emphasized, "This is the main reason why the DOT has focused on establishing and promoting safe tourism under the new normal. We're enforcing stringent safety procedures so that we can resume tourism activities sooner while ensuring the protection of everyone."
Since the holiday season of 2020, the Philippine government has opened its borders to balikbayans and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), enabling them to return to the country. Visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download and install the Travel Philippines app via app.philippines.travel on your smartphone to know more about the destinations that have reopened and their respective travel requirements.
