Sustainable Tourism: Cebu Pacific Launches Juan Effect Advocacy in Bohol
If there’s one destination that keeps calling me back, it would be Bohol. Bohol is one of the destinations in the Philippines that’s not only close to Cebu, but also close to my heart. I first visited Bohol via Tagbilaran City when I accompanied my mom to celebrate the town fiesta of my dad’s hometown (Jetafe) way back 2004. Even in my innocent years, I got really fascinated with the countryside vibe of Bohol and laid-back beauty it exudes. Without even realizing it, it paved the way for me to discover and open my eyes with both curiosity and adventure in exploring the natural wonders right at the heart of the Philippines.
Ten years after my maiden visit in Bohol, I already had multiple trips to this promising province with such great tourism value. My summer breaks back in college would not be complete without chasing various wonders around the island province of Bohol. Aside from the pristine white beaches around Panglao Island and famous Chocolate Hills and tarsiers near Tagbilaran, Bohol is also home to the lesser known tourist spots like Anda and Danao and of course some of its hidden gems found in Bien Unido and Jagna awaiting to be discovered.
As tourism is an important sector of our country, and the hidden challenges of preserving its current state, being a responsible traveler is key to sustainability. As the market for tourism grows all over the world, so does its impact on the environment, natural resources and local culture. As degradation of natural resources and heritage sites could be one of the risks of unchecked growth of the tourism industry, we can do our fair share of being a responsible traveler and be one of the purveyors of sustainable tourism.
Good thing, Cebu Pacific (CEB) is a champion when it comes to sustainable tourism. The Philippines’ leading carrier and one of the largest in the region is a major enabler of tourism growth has launched a sustainable tourism advocacy called “Juan Effect.”
Pertaining to the Filipino regular Joe, or the common man, “Juan” encompasses the big idea that one simple daily habit done consistently and collectively by even ordinary people can make a big impact in helping preserve the environment, local culture and heritage.
In partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the multi-sectoral sustainable tourism program of Cebu Pacific is also supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as the Department of Interior and Local Government. The “Juan Effect” advocacy engages the local community, the government and tourism stakeholders, in educating travelers about their responsibilities as tourists.
After roll-outs in Siargao and in Boracay, Bohol will be adopted as a Juan Effect destination with interventions put in place to support its sustainable tourism practices.
Bohol is one of the best island-destinations in the world, and one of CEB’s most popular destinations. There is still time to preserve its beauty by flying in tourists who are aware of the impact they create when they travel.
“It is important to strike a balance between growing the tourism industry and preserving the very assets that attract tourists,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience at Cebu Pacific. “Bohol has seen its tourist arrivals grow in the past year. We are adopting it as a Juan Effect site to do our part in reminding our travelers to conserve its ecological and cultural treasures.”
Juan Effect Bohol will launch with an information campaign through signages installed in Bohol’s most popular tourist attractions like the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary, and the Loboc River Cruise. These multi-lingual signages, made out of recycled wood, carry reminders of simple things to do or behaviors to observe while visiting these attractions.
The information campaign will be amplified online with Juan Effect Ambassadors from different parts of the world. The Philippines’ Jasmine Curtis-Smith will be joined by Canadian filmmaker Lost LeBlanc, South Korean musician and artist Solbi, and Australian yoga and fitness expert Sjana Elise.
Bring your own bottle, minimize use of single-use plastic, shop local, volunteer for clean-ups, reduce carbon emission, whatever you do to help protect Mother Earth, may it be small, it will surely have a big effect. Join Cebu Pacific in keeping the Philippine islands clean and beautiful by making a pledge at www.juaneffect.com.
