DOT in hot water over use of stock footage in tourism video

It is investigating claims that some of the videos used in the new “Love the Philippines” campaign are stock footage shot elsewhere.

According to a statement released late Saturday, the DOT is “currently investigating the allegations, and gathering all the information possible” concerning non-original parts used in the video for the country’s new tourism campaign.

The footage in the videos, according to social media users, was not shot in the Philippines and was sourced from Storyblocks.

A number of meetings and consultations were held by the tourism department with its contracted agency, DDB Philippines, to confirm the originality and ownership of campaign materials. DOT has been assured on all occasions by DDB that material ownership and originality are in order.

“Although DDB released this specific component of the launch on its own account, no public funds have been paid for the audio-video presentation,” the DOT said.

A spokesperson for the agency said it would not hesitate to take action to protect the country’s interests.

The “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign is valued at P49 million, according to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco. Including everything and everything involved in this branding campaign is included in the cost of the entire study, she said.

Since the DOT launched the new campaign last June 27, the campaign has drawn flak on social media.