A travel poster from the Department of Tourism (DOT) displayed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 4 incorrectly labeled the Banaue Rice Terraces as being located in Benguet. The iconic terraces are actually situated in Ifugao. The mistake was highlighted by archaeologist Stephen Acabado on social media, prompting the removal of the poster.
In response to the incident, the DOT released a statement clarifying their position: “The Department of Tourism (DOT) wishes to clarify erroneous information circulating online wrongly attributing to the DOT and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco the imagery used in the presentation of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President Arrey Perez for the Clark Complex in Pampanga. Neither the DOT nor Secretary Frasco were involved in the creation or delivery of these plans made and presented by Mr. Perez.”
The statement further noted the DOT’s recent involvement in a Technical Working Group session aimed at improving connectivity and optimizing the utilization of Clark International Airport. The DOT emphasized that CIAC President Arrey Perez’s presentation on his future plans for the Clark Complex was made independently of the DOT’s initiatives. “The DOT has requested the CIAC to confirm that neither the DOT nor the Secretary have any involvement in their plans and presentation,” the statement concluded.