Icons of Greatness Contest Launched

The Department of Tourism (DoT) has launched a tour itinerary- and poster-making contest in observance of National Heroes Day on August 27 and History Month in August.

Dubbed Icons of Greatness, the competition seeks to honor the country’s heroes and commemorate the significant events in the history of the Filipino nation, a DoT statement said.

Entries for both tour itinerary and poster must feature at least one of the icons of greatness defined as significant people, places, and events in Philippine history that have been translated and memorialized into shrines, landmarks, heritage sites, and museums.

The competition is open to bona fide Filipinos aged 15 to 30 years old residing in the Philippines. Submission of entries will run from August, 28, 2012 until 31 October 31, 2012. Winners will be awarded in November 2012.

“It aims to enhance appreciation of the inherent greatness of the Filipino people and give new meaning to old places by re-contextualizing them in the life or event of an icon,” a statement of the DOT said.

Thus, the contest involves research, creativity and tour itinerary components.

Secretary of Tourism Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said the department aims to raise public awareness on the importance of safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage and rekindle the Filipino spirit through the lessons of history.

The icon must have any of the following distinctions to his or her name: the Order of National Artists, a National Shrine, the Order of National Scientists, National Observance Day, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a National Historical Site, National Monument, a National Historical Landmark, Military Shrine, Order of Lakandula, Order of Sikatuna, Philippine Legion of Honor, Order of Gabriela Silang, Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, Gawad Mabini, Order of the Golden Heart, and Presidential Medal of Merit.

Participants in Icons of Greatness are encouraged to incorporate “It’s more fun in the Philippines” into their work , through a fun and creative interpretation of history.

The contest is organized in partnership with the University of the Philippines Manila and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. , Icons of Greatness is a three-tiered program: it involves research, creativity, and tour itinerary components.

“The DOT would also like to take this opportunity to dedicate this launching to Secretary Jesse Manalastas Robredo for being an icon of greatness himself, for his exemplary style of public service and servant leadership. He will certainly be an inspiration to all of Filipinos especially the youth,” Secretary Jimenez added.

Icons of Greatness is also supported by the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Philippine Information Agency, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, National Youth Commission, Philippine travel industry stakeholders, various educational institutions, and corporate sponsors.

For more information on how to register, interested participants may visit www.iconsofgreatness.wix.com/tourism or contact the Office of the Director for Tourism Planning and Promotions at 524-22-51 and 523-84-11 local 258.