Cebu Pacific launches its Juan Effect national campaign to encourage Filipinos to pledge for the betterment of the country’s islands. Photo shows (from left) Cebu Pacific Air president and CEO Lance Gokongwei, Department of Tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources undersecretary for attached agencies Sherwin Rigor.
A growing number of Filipinos continue to travel around the country to satisfy their wanderlusts. But while their visits to tourist destinations can help grow the local economy, they are also often blamed for the sanitation issues in communities.
Beyond just seeing and capturing the wonders of a destinations, these travelers should be more sensitive about how they impact a community when they travel, and strive to care for its surroundings and leave fewer footprints to preserve the beauty of the environment.
As the country’s leading local carrier, Cebu Pacific has launched the Juan Effect program, a nationwide campaign geared towards sustainable tourism that raises awareness among Filipinos about their responsibilities as tourists.
In partnership with the Department of Tourism and supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Juan Effect aims to inspire travelers to change at least one habit to lessen environmental impact in frequently visited local destinations. Here are few ways Filipinos can contribute to the Juan Effect:
The Juan Effect aims to encourage responsible traveling and develop sustainable habits among Filipinos that will help in environmental rehabilitation.
Say no to plastic bottles
Nearly a million plastic water bottles are thrown away daily by travelers who quench their thirst while on the go. However, these bottles take a long time before decomposing and some even make their way into oceans, polluting marine habitat. You can help lessen this impact by bringing reusable water bottles on your trips and simply refilling at your hotel or restaurants.
Bring own eco-bags
Instead of using single-use plastic bags, use eco-bags to bring home souvenirs or pasalubongs from your trips. Plastic bags can harm the lives of marine animals like sea turtles, sea horses, and fishes who mistake plastics as their food. Having your own eco-bag is convenient as you can reuse it without worrying about the safety of the environment.
Manage waste properly
You’ve probably seen the three colored trash bins in any destination you travel to. Get familiar with its labels so you can easily sort your waste and put them in the proper container. Separate plastic bottles from papers for easier recycling of biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials. You should also take your garbage with you until you find a trash can to properly dispose of waste. This way, you can help lessen land and waterway pollution that result from improper waste management.
Celebrity Erwan Heussaff and travel vlogger Kyle “Kulas” Jennerman have joined the nationwide movement to bring greater awareness towards reducing the impact of waste and plastics in the environment. The two are proud to become Juan Effect advocates and are encouraging fellow Filipino travelers to embrace sustainable environmental practices in their journeys to local destinations.
EveryJuan who will take a stand and make the pledge with Juan Effect can enjoy discounts in partner establishments who also promote green living such as Klean Kanteen, SipPH, SudsPH, Robinsons Department Store, and Daiso Japan.
Travel with environment conservation in mind and make a pledge with Juan Effect. Visit www.juaneffect.com to know more about how you can do your part towards the country’s sustainable tourism.
ADVT