LAOAG CITY (10 August) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched on Wednesday its nationwide campaign billed TURISTA (The Universal Recognition In the Security of Tourist Awards) aimed at recognizing outstanding contributions of individuals, private corporations, Local Government Units (LGUs) and foreign embassies to tourist safety and security.

National Jaycees, Philippine Rotary Club, Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), and Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) will make-up the screening committee tasked to verify, review and rate the nominees. The DOT Board of Jurors will then select the winner based on the recommendation made by the screening committee.

DOT officials explained that the nominations will be evaluated based on the quality of the project, its impact to the community and the country, value in terms of budget and financial plan, community involvement, awareness generated by the project with or without the use of mass media, sustainability over time and contribution to the Philippine tourism.

A Philippine vacation package (Boracay or Bohol) for two and P20,000 pocket money including a plaque of appreciation, dinner with the DOT Secretary and photo-op with the President await the lucky winners for the individual, corporate and foreign embassy category. Meanwhile the LGU will be DOT Ambassador of Goodwill to Korea or Japan or China with P40,000 pocket money.

Nominations should be mailed to DOT Undersecretary Salvador D. Sarabia Jr. not later than October 30, 2005. Awarding ceremony is slated on January 2006. (PIA Ilocos)