Rationale

• Ecotourism a significant tool for economic and sustainable development of the country

• Environmentally – sustainable

• Economically – viable

• Socially – equitable

• Promote and safeguard ecotourism sites in the Philippines

• Enhance livelihood opportunities to local young entrepreneurs

”Sapagkat tayong mga Pilipino ay pala-ngiti, at mahilig bumati, at magsabi ng Mabuhay sa ating mga bisita, gumawa na tayo ng Grassroots Entreprenuers for Eco tourism, o GREET program.

 “Marami tayong mga kabataan na gusto maging explorers, guides, trailblazers. Through this

fund, we will realize their dream of coming up with brochures and websites that will generate interest in undiscovered treasures that dot our beautiful land.

 God has gifted us with spectacular nature sites that we don’t have to build multistory

buildings to draw in tourists. And there is a big tourism market that sojourns to areas unspoiled by commercial development.

 And Donsol na kakabisita ko ay sample lang. Marami pang mga Donsol, mga Boracay at mga

Siargao, mga El Nido, sa Pilipinas. Sa ganitong magagandang lugar, isang payong lamang, isang bangka, isang kubo maganda na. Yan ang ating competitive advantage. Other countries may have infrastructure muscle, but good and rich as they are they can’t craft synthetic sunset or artificial marble sand.

 Thus, I am asking Eco Tourism warriors to step forward so that together we can realize your

dream and together we can conquer the world”.

Statement from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Program Description

• CONCEPT

GREET is a mass-based special pioneering project of Pres Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her genuine concern to extend livelihood opportunities to young entrepreneurs. Aimed at developing and promoting ecotourism sites in the Philippines, it is under the stewardship of Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano’s “Tourism with a Heart – Turismo Para Sa Pilipino” campaign.

Program Description

•NATURE

–Blocks of Php 50,000 to Php 100,000 worth of grants depending on extent of proposed viability of project

•DURATION December 2006 – December 2007

–Submission of Proposals: February to August 30, 2007

–Evaluation: ongoing

–Awarding: December 2007

–FUND SOURCES

–DOT TLA

Target Goals

Employment generation

Livelihood creation

Balanced ecology & environmental protection

Promotion and marketing of ecotourism sites as potential tourist destinations

Tourism development

Primary Objective

To develop the GREET Program as an effective socio-economic mechanism responsive in forging balanced ecotourism environment and preserving cultural heritage thereby resulting to favorable improvement in community and national economy.

Secondary Objectives

1. Encourage small & medium entrepreneurships in key eco-tourism sites that explore local ingenuity and creativity using local materials and employ local talents;

2. Develop pioneering industries that would spur economic growth and sustain the maintenance of eco-tourism sites;

3. Provide seed/start-up capital to aspiring young entrepreneurs;

4. Create favorable business environment and positive attitude by educating the community to be responsive entrepreneurs who will safeguard the management of eco-tourism sites;

5. Promote the development of products that will satisfy visitors’ needs while positioning the Philippines as a globally competitive ecotourism destination.

BackgroundBackground

What is Ecotourism?

Ecological Tourism or Ecotourism according to the World Tourism Organization (WTO) can be defined as: “all forms of tourism in which the tourists’ main motivation is the observation and appreciation of nature, that contribute to the conservation of, and that generate minimal impacts on the natural environment and cultural heritage”.

Ecotourism in the Philippines

The Philippines Regarded as one of the top 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world

in view of high percentage of endemic plants and animals Has the 2nd largest reef in the world, Apo Reef, next to

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef The Philippines is the center of the center of marine fish

biodiversity and the home of the most diverse marine ecosystem in the world, a recent study by American biologists Kent Carpenter and Victor Springer revealed.

98% of the country’s reef are threatened; 70% of the mangroves have been lost to fish ponds.

As an example of peak diversity and endemism, there is ample justification to prioritize the Philippines for conservation.

The National Ecotourism Steering Committee

(NESC)

Implement development strategies based on the following pillars:Sustainable management of natural & cultural resources– Environmental education and conservation awareness– Empowerment of local communities– Development of products that will position the Philippines as

globally competitive ecotourism destination

Executive Order No. 11 created the National Ecotourism Steering Committee (NESC) and called for the formulation of the National Ecotourism Strategy and implementation programs and activities of the National Ecotourism Development Council (NEDC).

The NESC is composed of DOT, DENR, DTI, Dept of Finance, DepEd, NEDA and representatives of private sector and NGOs. Current Chairman is DOT Secretart Joseph Durano.

Philippines Ecotourism Tour Packages

3D/2N WHALESHARK INTERACTION TOUR

Rate: As low as P4,820 or US$ 96 per person

Inclusions:

Aircon transportation for transfers; Breakfast; 2 Days Whaleshark Interaction Tour; 1 Night Resort accommodation in Donsol (twin-sharing aircon); 1 Night Inn accommodation in Legazpi City on Day 2.( twin-sharing aircon); 3 Days Tour guide Services (DOT Registered)

Philippines Ecotourism Tour Packages

Eco-Cultural Tour of Lake SebuOvernight Tour Rate (Group) : P1,800.00 or US$36/ person

Inclusions:

Food, Local Transportation, Accommodation and Tour Guide

Sights: Lake Sebu, Punta Isla Resort, T’boli Museum, Sta. Cruz Mission School, School for Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions (SIKAT), Lonon Falls, Lantaw Marbel

Other countries’ Ecotourism Tour Packages

Maldives Scuba Tours

9D/ 8N Liveaboard

£1850 per person + taxes

Maldives Scuba Tours

9D/ 8N Liveaboard

£1850 per person + taxesCosta Rica8D/7N$3295 per personSingle Supplement $500

Costa Rica8D/7N$3295 per personSingle Supplement $500

Mexico Whaleshark TourFull Day: US$220/person.

Mexico Whaleshark TourFull Day: US$220/person.

Program Program MechanicsMechanics

MECHANICS

APPLICATION Fill out application forms available from the DOT Regional Offices, Municipal offices or download from website (www.wowpinoy.net/greet).

Prepare Business Plan for proposed project.

SUBMISSION Submit Application Form and Business Proposal to DOT Regional Office for Initial Screening (technical requirements).

DOT Regional Offices to submit applications to GREET Secretariat.

GREET Secretariat to turn over applications to Evaluation & Judging Committee for evaluation.

MECHANICS

Evaluation Team will screen all applications for merits according to criteria.

Final Evaluation will be done by GREET Evaluation Committee with approval by Secretary Joseph Durano.

-

EVALUATION AWARDINGSelected business proposals will be awarded the amount or its equivalent in equipment approved by GREET Evaluation Committee.

GREET Grant Awarding (official ceremonies) with Pres. GMA as Guest of Honor.

WHO CAN APPLY

INDIVIDUALS– Filipino, aged 18 yrs old & above– Bonafide residents of eco-tourism sites– At least high school graduate– Must be of good moral character– Preferably a member of community organizations based in

town or region where eco-tourism site is located

ORGANIZATIONS - Community organizations and business

associations based and operating where eco-tourism site is located and duly accredited by local government;

- Demonstrated successful of programs for community and have developed network of key stakeholders and partners; and

- Must manifest functionality

HOW TO APPLY

• How to Apply Secure application forms available at Municipal

Offices, Dept of Tourism Regional Offices or download from the website (www.wowpinoy.net/greet)

Option to attend GREET orientation program Submit business proposals to GREET Secretariat

(c/o PCVC Travel Trade Sales) via snail mail or e-mail to greet@dotpcvc.gov.ph

• Deadline of Submission: Extended until August 30, 2007

Application Form

Criteria for Evaluation

Originality, uniqueness, creativity 20 pts

Viability of implementation & projections 20 pts

Economic Impact & job creation 20 pts

Promotion of natural & cultural preservation 20 pts

Growth potentials 20 pts

TOTAL 100 pts

Point Rating System*

*Selection will be based on highest points garnered.

Eligible Activities• Tourism Products

– Operation of new services (tour guiding, interaction guding, ground handling, etc.)

– Operation of new activities (whitewater rafting, hiking, canopy walk, surfing, diving, watersports, etc.)

• Tourism Establishments- Accommodation Facilities (homestay program, camping, etc)- Food & Beverage Facilities - Souvenir shops selling local produced products- Gears & Equipment Shops

• Tourism Related Services– Handicraft Training- Rescue and Medical services- Published Materials: Guidebooks, Maps, Websites

Grant Terms & Conditions

• Successful Applicants will be required to enter a legal agreement with DOT which will include:– Milestones, deliverables and performance measures– Project Budget– Project Management– Mode and schedule of grant releases– Accountability Framework– Communication Strategies– Contract default and termination clauses with

associated remedies– Monitoring and reporting

Grant Terms & Conditions

• Project will be required to acknowledge the GREET program. Prominent inclusion of GREET logo on all promotional materials and store/establishment banners;

• GREET Program Committee reserves the right: - to reproduce, use, publish and distribute any intellectual

property that has arisen out of the project to help promote the program; and

- to recover funds based on non-performance of contractual agreement;

• Resources and expenditures will be reviewed on regular basis;

• Progress Reports by the grantee will be required every 6 months.

Grants Facility

• All grant recipients would be given capacity building, environment stewardship and sustainable development seminars to aid in managing their ecotourism business

• Releasing of Grants– 50% upon approval– Balance to be remitted on schedule

determined by Regional Office

MONITORING

The DOT Regional Offices will monitor the businesses, evaluate the level of implementation and identify the gaps in the implementation. A status report will be submitted to the GREET Executive Committee bi-annually.

GREETWORK

PROGRAM

GREET TASK FORCE

Central Info & Coordination

Public ity

Special Events

Aw arding

Support Services

SECRET ARIATSusan del M undo

LEG ALDir Evelyn Cajigal

FINANCEDir G race Yoro

ADMINIST RAT IVE

EVALUAT IO N & JUDG INGDir. V ictoria Jasm in

Dir. Alan CanizalDir. E lizabeth Nelle

SCREENING & M O NIT O RINGRegional Directors

T ECHNICAL

VICE-CHAIRM ENUsec. O scar Palabyab

ED Daniel Corpuz

CO - CHAIRM ANUsec. Eduardo Jarque, Jr.

CHAIRM ANSec. Joseph Durano

Rich in natural & cultural attractions

Authentic & unique features

Special interest activities & educational experience for the visitors

Accessible

Relatively comfortable facilities e.g. lodging accommodation, places to eat, water supply, etc.

Criteria in Prioritization of Ecotourism Sites

North Luzon

South Luzon

Major Eco-tourism Sites

Mindanao

Visayas

Major Eco-tourism Sites

Effective Communication Approach

•Logo and slogan/tagline logo•Flyers/Brochures/Posters/Banners•Road Show Presentation to 4 key Ecotourism sites•Radio / Media launch•Publicity Releases•Website / web links•Email blasts / online forums & groups

Efficient Marketing & Promotion Activities

• Public relations and publicity

• Media invitational program

• Special interest tour operators’ familiarization trips

• Special and/or multi-sports events such as surfing competition, expedition, white water rafting race, canoeing race, and competitions to reinforce the image.

• Special interest tour packages to be developed by tour operators. Initiate a $1 donation as “conservation fee” per tourist to contribute in sustaining the program in bringing back the benefits to the community.

Roadshow: Schedule

Leyte – Samar April 19 – 20

Butuan – Cagayan de Oro – Davao – Lake Sebu

April 30 – May 5

Banaue – Tuguegarao May 21 – 25

Iloilo / Bacolod May 28 – 30

Bohol – Dumaguete June 4 – 7

South Luzon (Tagaytay) June 14

PRELIMINARY GRANT RECIPIENTS

(SOUTH LUZON LAUNCH)• Mr. Lamberto Avisado, Jr.: River Cruiser & Canteen (Ugong

River)• The River Cruiser and canteen is a floating structure, boat style of a

catamaran with walls and roofs made of nipa and bamboo structures. It will cater to tourists to the River Cruise and Fireflies watching tours at the Quipin River and Ogod River.

• Donsol Boat Associatio: Butanding Boat Services Improvement

• Physical improvement of service boats used for providing better service to Donsol tourists. Will include boat repainting and improvements on boat ladders, seats, and top flooring as well as provision of life rings and life jackets.

• Mr. Allan Amanse & Ms. Theresa Bernacer: Butanding T-Shirt and Souvenir Shop

• Souvenir Shop will sell T-shirts designed with environmental messages highlighting Whaleshark conservation, souvenir items and fashion accessories with designs or woodcarvings of Whalesharks.

Incentives & Recognition Outstanding Grant Recipients will be

given incentives and recognition during the GREET Program Entrepreneurship Awards or the DOT Kalakbay Awards.

Grassroots Entrepreneurs for Grassroots Entrepreneurs for EcoTourism EcoTourism

Alay ng Pangulo… Turismo Para sa Filipino!Alay ng Pangulo… Turismo Para sa Filipino!