Tourism department slammed over poster stating Ifugao's Banaue Rice Terraces is in Benguet
The Department of Tourism (DOT) stirred controversy after a poster indicated that the Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao is located in Benguet.
A Facebook user shared the poster in question spotted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4.
It showed a panoramic view of the famed terraces, the "Love the Philippines" slogan, and the name and its erroneous location.
The poster also showed the logos of the DOT, the Manila International Airport Authority, and the "Bagong Pilipinas" campaign of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
"SMH (Shake my head) DOT!" the user said in his caption. "The Ifugao Chief is not happy."
In an update, the user said "The Banaue Rice Terraces have been returned to Ifugao" through the poster being taken down. He showed workers carrying it as one is on a ladder.
Several users expressed their disappointment in the comments section.
"Grabe naman DOT!" one user said.
"Dept of Tourism, please do your homework prior to releasing your flyers regarding tourist spots sa Pilipinas," another user said.
Others, meanwhile, poked fun at the DOT.
"Nagtaka pa kayo, Mayon nga nasa Naga na. Haha," one user said, referring to controversial singer-actress-turned-politician Mocha Uson's erroneous claim in 2018.
The Banaue Rice Terraces are 226 kilometers away from Benguet or about a 10-hour ride.
They're a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines and are dubbed the 8th Natural Wonder of the World.
The terraces are said to be over 2,000 years old and are about 4,900 above sea level. They're most likely done by hand, carved in the mountains of Ifugao.
Before becoming a tourist attraction, the terraces were made as a practical solution to the problem on growing rice and other crops in the area.
The DOT has yet to issue a statement on the matter.