Remaining true to its objective of upholding and preserving the country’s natural reserves, the Department of Tourism (DOT) supported the launching of the Philippine Ecological Expo 2005 held last July 11-17 at the Expo Exchange, Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City. This year’s event encompassed the theme: ”A Vision Towards Environmental Preservation” and was organized by 2nd Intervals Events and Productions.

Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano could not agree more with the Philippine Ecological Expo 2005’s purpose. He said, “We have to protect our environment and we have to be accountable for its preservation. This affair is a good venue for us to start putting our aim into action.”

According to 2nd Intervals’ Chief Executive Officer Norman Gahol, “This exposition is our company’s contribution to the sustainable ecological development in the Philippines. Its mission is to educate, emphasize, and
raise the importance of conserving and developing man’s ecological system to a higher level of awareness.”

The seven-day ecological exhibit features various showcases of natural environment-related technologies and inventions, botanical/live plants retailers, landscape accessories and service providers, organic producers and retailers, resorts and tourist attractions, animal care associations, leading pet shops and suppliers, pet hobbyists, pet-inspired souvenir items and memorabilia retailers, as well as local consumer and food manufacturers and distributors.

For Durano, “Eco Expo 2005 complements our eco-tourism program through the exhibit of environment-friendly establishments and groups that provide positive tour experiences for both visitors and hosts. Moreover, the expo emphasizes ecological balance in natural areas while immersing oneself in the culture of the host community and supporting the livelihood and well-being of the local people.”

A highlight of the expo is the Flower Horn and Cichlids Fish Show and Competition with over a hundred entries. There are also daily seminars and activities related to the event’s environmental theme.

Philippine Ecological Expo 2005 is presented in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, Ayala Center, Ayala Cinemas, Expo Exchange, ABS-CBN’s Bantay Kalikasan, Brigada Berde’s Fight for Life, 105.1 FM Crossover, Whaton-Powers, TAPI, Martha Tilaar Group, Banli Sakura Flower Horn, Boracay’s Pearl of the Pacific, and www.pets.com.ph.