"Love the Philippines" promotional video by DOT embroiled in controversy

On June 27, 2023, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) launched a new promotional campaign titled "Love the Philippines." The campaign was designed to highlight the country's popular attractions and reintroduce its offerings post-pandemic. However, the campaign quickly became embroiled in controversy when it was discovered that the promotional video contained footage from other countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Dubai. 

The video was produced by DDB Philippines, a Filipino ad agency contracted by the DOT. The agency used stock footage, a common industry practice where pre-filmed clips are added to productions to create seamless transitions or to save on production costs. Stock footage is often used in commercials, particularly those that are political or issue-oriented, where there may not be enough time or money for full-scale production. 

However, the use of foreign stock footage in a promotional video for the Philippines was deemed "highly inappropriate" by DDB Philippines, which issued a public apology. The DOT also faced criticism for the oversight, despite assurances that they had sought confirmation on the originality and ownership of all materials used in the video multiple times. The department emphasized that it did not pay for the controversial material and that the video was not part of their contract with DDB Philippines. 

Despite the controversy, the DOT remains committed to promoting tourism in the Philippines, a sector that represented 17% of the country's GDP last year. The department is responsible for ensuring the safe, convenient, and enjoyable stay of both foreign and local tourists in the country. However, the controversy surrounding the "Love the Philippines" video has raised questions about the continued use of government funds for the campaign. 

Stock footage, while a cost-effective solution for many productions, must be used responsibly and appropriately. It is typically made up of short, generic clips that can be spliced into individual productions. These clips, often referred to as B-roll, can come from various sources and are usually licensed to creators for use in their projects. Licensing options include Royalty-Free, Rights Managed, and Editorial Use, each with its own set of usage rules and restrictions. 

In the wake of the controversy, the "Love the Philippines" video has been taken down, and an investigation into the matter is ongoing. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and accuracy in promotional materials, particularly those representing a country's unique culture and attractions.