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EchoTourism v3.0: Ecology, Culture, Heritage and Opportunities was held at the Marian Auditorium in Miriam College.
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The ‘echo’ in the title of the conference stands for ecology, culture, heritage and opportunities involved in tourism.
“EchoTourism v3.0: Ecology, Culture, Heritage and Opportunities” conference was recently held at the Marian Auditorium last Monday, November 20. Gina Lopez, Anabelle Plantilla, Professor Eric Zerrudo, Dr. Joseph Renta III and Dr. Filiberto Pollisco, Jr. graced and spoke at the conference.
The ‘echo’ in the title of the conference stands for ecology, culture, heritage and also, opportunities involved in tourism.
Conference keynote speaker and former environment secretary, Gina Lopez, talked about building the country from the bottom up. Gina stated that it is not the money that makes a difference in any ecotourism projects but the heart.
Gina further encouraged students present that the best way to learn ecotourism is to do it on your own and implement projects yourself.
She said, “God gave us so much, all we have to do is take care of it.”
The plenary ecology speaker, Annabelle Plantilla, talked about biodiversity and endemism. Endemism is the ecological state of species unique to a specific geographic location.
Organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic if they are also found elsewhere. She also acknowledged Lopez’ statements that the Philippines has one of highest number of endemic species.
Plantilla also encouraged students of Miriam College to have activities that will help communities and increase eco-friendly barangays in the Philippines. This will truly enhance their learning experience.
Dr. Filiberto Pollisco, Jr. on the other hand talked about another role of ecotourism. He introduced the different bio-diversities in Southeast Asia.
He said that any ecotourism activity includes community participation. It should benefit the local community and its people not just one’s financial sufficiency. Although, it may be a factor, activities should contribute to natural resource conservation.
Pollisco also encouraged the audience that if they want to travel, they should first enjoy Southeast Asia’s own natural heritage parks.
A professional interior designer, museum administer, curator and art restorer, Dr. Joseph Renta III, argued that old churches shouldn’t be called “Spanish churches.”
Dr. Renis III said these churches are Filipino-made and are seen in the Philippines. He later explained that Metropolitan Theater is a very good example of conserving a heritage structure.
Clean-up drives started in December 2015, paving the way for the eventual restoration of the building by 2016. Conserving a heritage structure is helping our tourism to get better.
Professor Eric Zerrudo spoke about the heritage in developing economies. He explained that heritage gives you the sense of familiriaty. That iconic places can easily match and identify where and who you are.
For example, when you see the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal, you’ll know you’re in Luneta. When you see Magellan’s cross, you’ll know you’re in Cebu. He also stated that before you do any project, memory is important. Memory, professor Eric said, is the foundation of any documentation for promotion.
He also explained that development always has conflicts with heritage. For example, Quiapo Church.
The church is very popular because of the devotion to the Black Nazarene. The increase of devotees was one of the reasons why it faced expansion and repainting. Although it was a good move, the heritage of the Church lost its value to development.
