National Geographic cited RP as a top tourist destination.

Here’s something that will uplift Filipino spirits in the midst of so many bad news in the country today. The popular magazine National Geographic, in its November 2009 adventure issue, said that the Philippines has “as many islands as the Caribbean and some of the most spectacular reefs on the planet.” According to the magazine article, a 12-day trip is being organized, costing $3,300 per traveler, from the highlands of the Cordilleras to the coral reefs of the Visayas. The country’s olden cultures, structures and biodiversity were mentioned as key tourist attractions in our country. It also cited the indigenous irrigation system used for the rice terraces in Ifugao, and the rich marine biodiversity in the Philippines.

This development should inspire the government and environmental advocates to strive harder in trying to save the country’s depleted coral reefs from the destruction wrought by illegal fishing, poaching and pollution.

Some of our tourist destinations have become victims of commercialism and are becoming over-developed while some are suffering from neglect and are deteriorating over the years. This honor should serve as an invitation to all Filipinos to become stakeholders and do our share in preserving our natural resources and maintaining the beauty of our tourist spots.

For the full news article in the Philippine Star, please click on this link.