DOT severs ties with ad agency behind ‘Love The Philippines’

After the widespread backlash from the public over the new ‘Love The Philippines’ tourism campaign.

On Monday, July 3, the Department of Tourism said that is has severed its ties with DDB Philippines — the ad agency behind the campaign. In a statement released through the Facebook page of Secretary for Tourism Christina Frasco, the department said that it is “one with our fellow Filipinos in expressing our outrage… at the use of non-original/stock footage purporting to scenes from the Philippines…” referring to the AVP presented by DDB.

The department also added that the winning bidder for the new campaign shall embody and align themselves to the advocacies of DOT.

Hence, the Tourism department has decided to exercise their right to terminate its contract with DDB after the ad agency apologized and admitted to its fault Sunday afternoon. DOT also said that they have not yet paid DDB for the production of the said video.

3 July 2023

STATEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is in solidarity with our fellow Filipinos in expressing our outrage and extreme disappointment at the use of non-original/stock footage purporting to be scenes from the Philippines in the audio visual presentation (AVP) prepared, produced, and published by DDB Philippines as a component of the launch of the enhanced tourism branding campaign for the country.

Under the terms governing the DOT’s tourism branding campaign contract with DDB Philippines, “Material/s produced by the winning bidder should be original and aligned with the DOT’s advocacies”. Further, “The DOT reserves the right to change, suspend, or discontinue temporarily or permanently the contract at any time should the DOT deem the agency incapable of the project.”

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.

No payments have been made by DOT to DDB under the tourism branding campaign contract. The DOT shall exercise its right to forfeit performance security as a result of default in obligations under the contract, as well to review standards of performance or lack thereof vis-a-vis any claims for payment and/or any other engagement. Further, the DOT reserves the right to take all other action against acts deemed inimical to the interest of Philippine tourism.

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.

This announcement comes a day after DDB offered its apology for using stock footage from abroad for its ‘mood video’ for the campaign. DDB said on Sunday that what was released to the public was a “mood video” intended to excite internal clients. It also added that while “mood videos” are industry practice, the use of foreign stock footage for the ‘Love The Philippines’ was “an oversight” on their agency’s part.

DDB also said that no public funds were used to produce the video, and “profusely” apologized to DOT and Secretary Frasco over the incident. The ad agency have since identified it to be an “isolated incident.” The video had since been hidden from public sight yesterday.

It was last week when the Department of Tourism unveiled the new slogan and campaign, in time for the 50th anniversary of the department’s creation. ‘Love The Philippines’ was intended to replace the popular long-running slogan “It’s More Fun In The Philippines,” which was first launched in 2012.