The Department of Tourism on Monday decided to terminate its contract with the advertising agency DDB Philippines due to the controversy surrounding the new “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign video. Both the DOT and DDB Philippines faced criticism for featuring stock videos from Thailand, Indonesia, and the UAE to showcase Philippine tourist destinations.

On Sunday, DDB Philippines issued an apology in response to the controversy and acknowledged using stock footage not captured in the Philippines as a “mood video” intended to generate excitement among internal stakeholders for the campaign.

The DOT, in a statement issued on Monday, conveyed its support for Filipinos who expressed their outrage over the inclusion of non-original and/or stock footage falsely representing scenes from the Philippines in the audio-visual presentation (AVP) created by DDB Philippines as part of the country’s tourism branding campaign launch. In response to the public outcry, the department decided to terminate its partnership with the agency responsible for producing the video.

“As DDB Philippines has publicly apologized, taken full responsibility, and admitted in no uncertain terms, that non-original materials were used in their AVP, reflecting an abject failure to comply with their obligation/s under the contract and a direct contravention with the DOT’s objectives for the enhanced tourism branding, the DOT hereby exercises its right to proceed with termination proceedings against its contract with DDB,” the DOT said in a statement.

The DOT has stated that it has not made any payment to DDB under the tourism campaign contract. They continue to emphasize their unwavering commitment to promoting the country globally.

“The Department of Tourism remains fully committed to developing and promoting the Philippines as a powerhouse of natural wonders, culture, and heritage, and a fount of warmth and hospitality which is a source of great love and pride for all Filipinos,” the DOT added.

The introduction of the new tourism campaign slogan, “Love the Philippines,” on June 27, sparked backlash and diverse reactions from the public, who compared it to the highly acclaimed slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

Photo: Department of Tourism – Philippines FB