ALBAY 2nd district Representative Joey Salceda said the whole mess with the contractor using stock footage in the promotional video proves my earliest point about the DOT either apologizing to Albay, or firing the consultant.
“Clearly, the exclusion of Mayon and other tourist attractions intrinsic to the Philippine brand was just a symptom of “trabahong tamad” that is now evident to everyone,” Salceda said
He added that since the DOT will not be apologizing (because the video, supposedly, is just a first installment), the way forward seems clear.
“The first video was supposedly a “mood video,” according to the contractor. For something as critical as an entire country’s image, you don’t “set the mood” with plagiarism. As for the branding itself, the slogan is a creative decision best left to experts and its usefulness will be proven ultimately in tourist numbers. We will know soon enough if it works. So, I don’t want to comment on it,” Salceda said.
One lesson here, according to the solon, is not to dismiss legitimate concerns as “political soundbites” but to listen, consult, and discuss. The country’s branding is reflective of our identity and aspirations as a people: what’s wrong with wanting to be represented well in that?
Salceda hoped all these issues can be rectified before the budget hearings.
“Otherwise, I have a duty to ask questions,” he concluded.
metrosundaily
