Why Choose Local In A Global Pandemic

Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan.” Who would’ve thought that this Filipino maxim would become a battle cry of sorts in the middle of a global pandemic and that, if taken to heart, would help us jumpstart the economy ravaged by COVID-19?

- Michaela Tangan

On June 12, Independence Day, the public and private sector came together to launch the #PinasMunaTayo online campaign. The movement calls on Filipinos to awaken their bayanihan spirit by encouraging us to patronize local services in leisure and travel, food and restaurants, retail and shopping, among others.

The campaign banners three main objectives: TriPinas, to revive the tourism sector by promoting domestic tourism and destinations; ShoPinas, to push for buying locally in support of the retail sector, and LasaPinas, to reinforce the love for country by experiencing local food and hospitality.

By making these conscious choices, we can stimulate the growth of domestic consumption and boost the economy.

“Today, instead of fighting for our freedom, we face an adversary of a different sort — the COVID-19 pandemic. I am certain that we will bounce back from this and Pinas Muna Tayo is a step in the right direction,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.