Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. lauds the good gesture of Sotero Canonoy, a taxi driver who surrendered a bag left by three male German tourists whom he ferried from SM Mall of Asia to NAIA Terminal 1 on March 23 at about 10:00 PM.
Its More Fun in the Philippines
“This is one happy piece of news that we need to hear more of. Mr. Canonoy’s action exemplifies the innate goodness of our countrymen. It gives support to the positive image we wish to portray through our “It’s more fun in the Philippines” campaign. We want to highlight these good news as normal than unusual,” Jimenez enthused.
The incident was first reported on March 26 during GMA7’s Aksyon Ora Mismo and repeated over other public service programs of the network. It was through Wednesday’s morning report over DZBB that the information reached the DOT. Mr. Canonoy was said to have turned over the bag which contained a laptop, PSP, cell phone, wristwatch, some clothes and medicines. His mother, Nanay Cita, who was a participant in the first Survivor Philippines Castaway reality TV series, suggested that they seek assistance from the network to make public the find, as well as to help trace the owners. Efforts are now focused on gaining more leads from NAIA authorities and the German Embassy to determine the identities of the tourists and ensure that the belongings are returned to them.
“This is what we mean by tourism is everybody’s business. Each little good thing adds up to the fun picture of Philippine tourism. And as important as the first impression upon arrival are the good memories that a visitor brings with him until he departs. In this particular case, the DOT is pleased to note that the DZBB team perseveres in helping resolve this matter. We all are part of the tourism experience as we all are likewise, beneficiaries. We all need to do our share of good, for tourism to make a dent in our economy and in our respective lives,” Secretary Jimenez said.
The DOT enjoins everybody to share more good news through the agency’s Twitter (@DOTPhilippines) and Facebook (Department of Tourism) accounts, as well as through its new campaign website http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/.