DOT calls for entries to Icons of Greatness

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
September 11, 2012

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Department of Tourism Region 8 Director Karina Rosa Tiopes called on the youth of Eastern Visayas to participate in the recently launched DOT’s Icons of Greatness, a program that seeks to involve the youth in the search for heroes and appreciation of important events through tour itinerary-making and poster-making competitions.

Director Tiopes informed that the competition is open to all Filipino Youth ages 15 to 30 who are residing in the Philippines. Submission of entries will be from August 28 to October 31, 2012. Judging and awarding ceremony will be in November of 2012, Director Tiopes added.

Organized by DOT 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 project 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.

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 icon must have any of the following distinctions to his, her or its 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. The participant must remember, it’s not a campaign; it’s the truth, Director Tiopes added.

Each contestant must present a proof of his/her age by submitting a birth certificate and any of the following IDs: valid student identification card (ID) with photograph issued by the government (Driver’s License, Voter’s ID, Postal ID, NBI). If in case the contestant has no valid ID, a barangay certification should be presented stating the age of the contestant.

A person can only submit one entry within the contest period. A completely filled-out contest submission/participation form that can be downloaded from www.iconsofgreatness.wix.com/tourism or requested from the Department of Tourism, Rm. 417, 4th floor, DOT Building, T.M. Kalaw St., Manila.

Submission of entry should be in hard (printed in bond paper with legal size 8.5” x 14”) and soft (CD) copies together with the participation form and valid ID.

All entries shall be considered as the intellectual property of the Department of Tourism. By submitting an entry, participants consent to the use of their work entry and personal information, including name, poster and itinerary, without compensation in any publicity (promo collaterals) carried out by the agencies, partners and sponsors.

All entries must include the theme – Icons of Greatness – It’s More Fun in the Philippines.

All tour itineraries must include the following information: brief description of places to visit; Schedule and list of activities; Modes of transportation; Date of departure and arrival; other free amenities, if any (e.g. free breakfast, free museum entrance fee).

Submission must be presented in a flyer/brochure form with the size of 8.5” x 11”. Each entry should have a creative title (e.g. “Lakwatsa ni Batang Jose Rizal”).