Philippine Resorts Win Big At The Asean Green Hotel Awards

By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA

Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort in Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Photo Source: daluyonresort.com)

MANILA, Philippines — Vacations aren’t just more fun in the Philippines, They're greener too.

Already four years operating as a lodging establishment in Palawan, Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort is a 16-room affair owned and managed by brothers, Ruben and Clifford Tan and their wives, Maria and Deborah.

Little did they know that their advocacy for green tourism as practiced in the resort would pay off when the Department of Tourism (DoT) made its usual search for nominees to the ASEAN Green Hotel and found the resort compliant with the criteria.

“We were pleasantly surprised as we only got to know of the awards when we were sent forms to fill and more surprised after being evaluated as compliant.  We are firm believers of the green agenda and are happy that we have contributed through our own small way,” the Tans said during the awards at Manado, Indonesia, held to coincide with the 2012 ASEAN Tourism Forum.

Meanwhile, Mandala Spa and Resort Villas in Boracay Island in Aklan, born in 2001 as a day spa, evolved into a destination spa, reaping numerous awards as best spa destination and best holistic treatment, among others.  It is presently owned and managed by Mr. Dieter Scrottmann.

Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. shared their pride as he handed the plaques of recognition to Daluyon and Mandala, received by the Tans and DoT Director Ma. Rica Bueno, respectively.

“We at the DoT will try to provide the support environment that will attract more green investments.  Through the TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority), we may be able to extend ample incentives and assist in looking for financing windows to make easy the start-up investments into green technology.  We want to contribute significantly to the global effort of greening tourism,” Jimenez said.

The ASEAN Green Hotel Awards are held every two years.  Its criteria covers environmental policy and activities, use of green products, collaboration with the communities and local organizations, human resources development, solid waste management, energy efficiency, water efficiency, air quality management, noise pollution control, waste water treatment and management and toxic and chemical substance disposal management.