Jericho on responsible tourism: It’s not too late

“We are killing our own country,” strong words posted by the actor (Photo: jerichorosalesofficial/Instagram)

White sand. Soothing to crazy waves. The warmth of the sun. Indeed, many have recognized Boracay as one of the country’s paradises to venture and visit in one of their vacations and summer getaways. Yet, the dreadful trails that the tropical depression Urduja left on the small and fragile island in its visit, made Jericho Rosales speak up.

“We are killing our own country,” strong words posted by the actor.

Jericho, a renowned actor, chooses to use his influence in Instagram in conveying the strength of his message to one of the issues that the country should be discussing as a proud tourist destination – responsible tourism.

“Are we just all about having fun and being irresponsible? Are we made to allow ourselves and other people destroy the very things that make us who we really are?” part of his caption said, adding that the people are so unaware.

The 38-year-old actor made the comment after news spread over the weekend that Urduja’s rainwater caused flooding, which was dubbed as its worst. Reports said that only 10% of the island was spared from the flooding waters.

“Hurt and sad for Boracay right now. Scared for the hundreds if not thousands of tourist spots here in our beloved Pilipinas,” Jericho wrote.

“Brothers and sisters, please think and educate yourselves about responsible tourism. Help the locals. Educate them too,” he encouraged.

“We can’t just keep inviting people to come here and then that’s it. It doesn’t end at it’s more fun in the Philippines,” Jericho added, referring to the famous tagline by the Department of Tourism.

In his 125-word post, he mentioned necessities such as preparation of the town or city, proper dumpsites, and hospitals.

He said that the country is not ‘for ourselves alone’ but also for the coming generations that have yet to see the beauty of the country.

“Get on your feet, Bora. It’s not too late. Thoughts, prayers, and actions from my family to yours. God bless,” he ended his post.

These comments sparked discussion with some netizens seconding his piece.

“So true. I hope there is one voice that would raise this cry to our government and protect and preserve the nature. I envy other countries that were able to manage and preserve their history and tourist spots. Love for the PH is needed,” Instagram user @ruth.lagare.music said.

One user though, @pamela_lopez9 retorted, “Kailangan bang mga locals at Pinoy lang ang dapat i-educate at sisihin sa mga iresponsableng pagtatapon ng basura sa mga tourist spot gaya ng (Are the locals and the Filipinos the only ones needed to be educated and blamed for irresponsible throwing of trash in tourist spots like) Boracay island? Why don’t you ‘scream’ on the eardrums about proper waste disposal to the tourist themselves?”

@conz6th however, replied by saying, “I believe it starts with the locals to implement and adhere to policies concerning the environment,” then adding, “Last time I was in Bora, they were planning to make a hotel in Puka beach… apparently, it’s there now so it’s really heartbreaking [since] the mountains in Bora were almost all bald too so I can only imagine it now… the place needs to be shut down for 20 years.”