By Jennifer P. Rendon
In the last few days, social media platforms have been flooded by posts of tourist destinations in Capiz province which appear to be fictitious.
Netizens might have not gotten wind of these tourist spots because they’re non-existent, the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office of Capiz said.
In an advisory, the tourism office said that while there are many attractions in Capiz, the sites in these social media posts do not exist anywhere in Capiz.
“We laud everyone’s vigilance in calling out for the verity of the information in this post,” the advisory said stating they’re good as clickbait posts since it’s already summer and many are planning for getaways.
The tourism office told netizens to exercise prudence in promoting made-up destinations.
Addressing Facebook account holders who promoted the fictitious destinations, “you guys can actually direct your efforts in promoting attractions that actually exist in Capiz,” the advisory added.
For reference, it advised tourists and visitors to search #CaptureCapiz on the Capiz Tourism and Cultural Affairs Facebook Page or visit their official Instagram account @capturecapiz and YouTube Channel Capture Capiz.
“We acknowledge the comic side of these clickbait contents, but please understand that information released publicly shapes public opinion, and is subject to relative understanding. And this platform we use to disseminate information is more powerful than we think – it can make or break people, save or endanger lives,” the advisory said.
The tourism office also asked netizens to be more responsible in sharing information, and remain vigilant in identifying misinformation and disinformation.
“Leading people to made-up destinations may cause them harm or put their lives in peril, now we do not want that. After all, as a community, all we’d want is to care for each other and to equally #CaptureCapiz and enjoy actual tourist destinations and attractions in the province,” it said.
