Tuesday, January 21, 2025 In January 2025, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada introduced a groundbreaking proposal aimed at establishing the Philippines as a premier global destination for international film productions and tourism. In his remarks, Estrada emphasized the immense impact that films and television shows have on tourism, driving both economic growth and community development in locations featured on the big screen. His proposal, Senate Bill No.
2857, also known as the Film Philippines Act, is poised to shape the future of the country’s tourism industry by strategically leveraging the power of media to boost visitor numbers and showcase the Philippines’ unparalleled natural beauty. Estrada highlighted several key locations across the Philippines that have seen a dramatic increase in tourism after being featured in popular films. For example, Mount Kiltepan in Sagada became a must-see spot after being showcased in the 2014 film That Thing Called Tadhana .
Similarly, the stunning landscapes of Batanes were prominently featured in the film You’re My Boss , while the strawberry farms and majestic mountains of Benguet became iconic through the series Forevermore . Even the famous sand dunes of Ilocos, immortalized in classics such as Panday and Himala , continue to draw fans and tourists alike. The power of visual media to transform everyday locations into globally recognized tourist attractions is a key focus of Estrada’s bill.
By capitalizi.
