“We are the visitors to their underwater home. We should be gracious and respectful guests.” This was the principle from Marine Wildlife Watch Philippines (MWWP) which guided multi-sectoral participants during the National Consultation for the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) on the guidelines for marine wildlife tourism interaction in the Philippines held recently at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. The Department of Tourism (DOT), through its Office of Tourism Standards and Regulation and Office of Tourism Planning, Research and Information Management, is working with the MWWP and Responsible Tourism Philippines, both non-government agencies, for the development and approval of the Rules and Regulations for Marine Wildlife Tourism in the Philippines.

Umali, T. G. (2015, October 2). How to be a good underwater guest. Philippine Star, p. F-5.