The Department of Tourism (DOT), driven by its passion to preserve and showcase the beauty of the Philippines for future generations, unveiled a series of murals celebrating the country’s breathtaking tourist destinations and its abundant natural wonders.
From July to October 2024, DOT’s regional offices spearheaded the “Love Inspired: The Philippines, a Canvas of Biodiversity” celebrations across 16 popular tourist spots nationwide. Dubbed Love Biodiversity Day 2024, the event featured the unveiling of locally-crafted murals and activities aimed at raising environmental awareness among tourism stakeholders and local communities.
Boracay, renowned for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, was among the iconic destinations that participated. Local artists Lito Panganiban and Japs Avelino from Island Artists Boracay created a mural highlighting the island’s famous attractions, such as the sandcastle, Willy’s Rock, the Boracay Keyhole, and the paraw sailboat, alongside its vibrant marine life, including sea turtles and clownfish. DOT Region 6 emphasized the mural’s message, calling it “a vivid reminder of our unique biodiversity and the need for conservation.”
Clark, Pampanga, a rising hub for tourism and events, also unveiled a mural by Placid Studio artists. This artwork honored the region’s rich biodiversity, featuring symbols such as the pawikan of Morong, the mole cricket of Pampanga, Acacia trees of Clark, and Mount Pinatubo. The mural incorporated the DOT’s tourism slogan, “Love the Philippines.”
In Tacloban City, local artists completed a mural along Magsaysay Boulevard, featuring Eastern Visayas’ notable landscapes and seascapes, such as the San Juanico Bridge and Samar Island Natural Park. DOT Assistant Secretary Gissela Marie Quisumbing described it as “a visual road trip to Eastern Visayas,” reflecting the region’s resilience and natural beauty.
Mindanao regions Davao and SOCCSKSARGEN also hosted stunning murals. In Davao, an 18-meter artwork inside the Mt. Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum depicted the area’s diverse flora and fauna, including the Philippine eagle. Similarly, South Cotabato’s mural along the Surallah-Lake Sebu Road highlighted the biodiversity of Lake Sebu and its surrounding wonders.
Various DOT regional offices complemented the mural launches with sustainable activities. In Zamboanga Peninsula, participants conducted coastal cleanups, while La Union and Iligan City hosted mangrove planting initiatives. In Batanes, visitors learned traditional crafts like weaving coconut-leaf hats.
Other murals were unveiled in notable locations such as Anilao, Batangas; Marinduque; Catanduanes; Baguio City; Dumaguete City; Agusan del Sur; and Arroceros Park in Manila. Each mural underscored DOT’s advocacy for sustainable tourism and conservation.
Assistant Secretary Quisumbing highlighted the murals as symbols of a collective commitment to the environment, urging the public to adopt sustainable practices and redefine tourism as a force for good.
