THE Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday named P-Pop girl group BINI as one of the country's tourism ambassadors to help promote Philippine tourism following the group's historic performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival last April.
Tourism Secretary Bernardita "Dita" Angara-Mathay said the partnership recognizes not only BINI's growing international influence but also the group's ability to showcase the Philippines' diverse culture and heritage.
"One of my biggest takeaways from our first meeting is that each girl actually represents a province or a town and is very knowledgeable about the charming features of her hometown," Mathay said.
She said one member even shared the story of Laguna's centuries-old banga tradition and how it has brought communities together through generations.
"We don't want to promote only beaches because every place in the Philippines has a hidden treasure," she said.
The tourism chief said the department has no intention of dictating how BINI should promote the country, stressing that it simply wants to provide the group with more platforms to continue advocating for the places and communities they genuinely represent.
"We just want them to do what they're already doing, whether it's promoting their hometowns, their communities, food or sports, because for me that's a very honest approach," Mathay said.
The group's provincial roots reflect the country's regional diversity, with Aiah Arceta representing Cebu; Colet Vergara from Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Maloi Ricalde from Batangas; Gwen Apuli from Albay; Stacey Sevilleja from Nueva Vizcaya; Mikha Lim, who identifies Cavite as her hometown despite being born in Cebu and having lived in Laguna; Jhoanna Robles from Laguna; and Sheena Catacutan from Isabela.
Mathay said highlighting the unique stories, traditions, and attractions of each member's hometown will help encourage travelers to discover destinations beyond the country's well-known beaches and reinforce the message that every community in the Philippines has something worth experiencing.
The DOT said it is working toward a long-term partnership with BINI, with both sides expected to finalize the schedule and details of the collaboration in the coming months.