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| The Love Biodiversity mural by Island Artists Boracay showcasing the iconic sites and diverse marine life of Boracay (Image Source: SunStar/Department Of Tourism - Philippines) |
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has unveiled a series of murals that celebrate the Philippines’ stunning tourist sites and its rich biodiversity to preserve and share the country’s natural beauty for future generations. From July to October last year, DOT’s regional offices led the “Love Inspired: The Philippines, A Canvas Of Biodiversity” campaign in 16 popular tourist locations across the country. The celebrations, also known as Love Biodiversity Day 2024, featured murals created by local artists and educational activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness among tourism stakeholders and local communities.
Among the featured destinations was Boracay, renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and vibrant marine life. Artists Lito Panganiban and Japs Avelino, of Island Artists Boracay, created a mural showcasing the island’s iconic sites, including Willy’s Rock and the paraw sailboat, alongside its diverse marine life, such as sea turtles and clownfish. The DOT’s Region 6 office, which oversees Western Visayas, described the mural as a vibrant portrayal of the island’s flora and fauna, serving as a reminder of the Philippines’ unique biodiversity. “Boracay is home to a diverse range of species, including native trees like Narra and Ipil, as well as over 340 bird species and numerous reptiles, frogs, and mammals,” said DOT Region 6 Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez. The celebration also included the unveiling of a mural in Clark, Pampanga, a rising tourism hub and culinary capital. The mural, created by Placid Studio artists, highlights local wildlife such as the pawikan (sea turtle) from Bataan and the mole cricket (kamaru) of Pampanga, as well as other regional landmarks like Mount Pinatubo and the waterfalls of Aurora.
Tacloban City, which faced immense destruction from Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, also participated in the mural initiative. The mural along Magsaysay Boulevard depicted protected landscapes and seascapes, including Samar Island Natural Park and the San Juanico Bridge, symbolizing the resilience of the region. The DOT called it a “visual road trip” through Eastern Visayas. In Mindanao, murals were unveiled in Davao and SOCCSKSARGEN to highlight the region’s diverse flora and fauna. A mural in Davao, located in the Mt. Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum, depicts the mountain’s lush ecosystem, guarded by a Philippine eagle, while another mural along the Surallah-Lake Sebu Road in South Cotabato celebrates the biodiversity of Lake Sebu, reminding visitors of the importance of preserving these natural treasures. The DOT also organized activities to further engage communities in sustainable tourism practices. In Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, the unveiling of the mural was accompanied by a coastal cleanup along Dipolog City Boulevard. In La Union and Iligan City, officials and stakeholders planted over 200 mangrove seedlings which help protect coastal ecosystems.
Other murals were launched in various parts of the country including Marinduque, Batangas, Catanduanes, Baguio City, Dumaguete City, Agusan del Sur, and Arroceros Park in Manila. Each mural represents a commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation. DOT Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications Gissela Marie Quisumbing emphasized that the murals serve as a visual testament to the country’s rich biodiversity and the public’s role in preserving it, saying, “Every small action, such as supporting local conservation efforts, contributes to positive change. Together, we can redefine tourism as a force for good.” The DOT stressed that its regional offices, along with support from the private sector, continue to be the leading advocates for sustainable tourism in the Philippines.
