The Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines (WeTAP), an organization that is actively promoting the Philippines as a premier wellness destination, held its third general meeting last Oct. 30 with the theme “Wellness for Nation-Building.”
Held at the Treston International College in the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, the meeting spotlighted WeTAP’s vision of shaping wellness tourism into a potent driving force for economic growth, cultural preservation and social empowerment; a vision that sees wellness not just as a alternative and healthier lifestyle but as an important resource for nation-building.
Made up of tourism industry pioneers, wellness leaders and tourism advocates, WeTAP is promoting the Philippines’ many wellness attractions – its pristine and scenic tourism sites, its world-class healthcare professionals and its award-winning eco-luxury retreats – in order for the country to gain its rightful share in the global wellness tourism market, a multimillion-dollar industry that when tapped will open up promising growth opportunities for Filipinos and for the country . And at its meeting held last month, WeTAP put a focus on yet another Philippine wellness offering: the Filipinos’ long health and wellness tradition.
Traditional and natural healthcare practices whose effectiveness has been proven over hundreds of years rightfully belong among the many uniquely Filipino offerings that make the Philippines a prime wellness destination in Asia. This was highlighted by Ma. Teresa Iñigo, director general of the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) who was invited as one of the meeting’s guest speakers.
An attached agency of the Department of Health (DOH), PITAHC is mandated to promote the development and use of traditional and alternative healthcare in the country. Dedicated to the building of a healthy citizenry, it is an institution that supports WeTAP’s goal of transforming wellness into an engine of growth.
“In the field of wellness and healthcare, the Philippines certainly has a lot to offer, from the ancient art of hilot to the spiritual wisdom of indigenous healers that has been handed down from generation to generation,” Iñigo said in her talk that dealt with “Rediscovering Filipino Wellness: A Traveler’s Guide to Healing Traditions.”
“It is, thus, high time to reclaim the Philippines’ healing heritage and to promote safe, effective, accessible and affordable healthcare options for all Filipinos, as well as for the growing number of foreign visitors who come to our country in search of health and wellness,” she added.
Providing effective and accessible healthcare options for Filipinos and wellness tourists is definitely a key part of WeTAP’s goal of transforming wellness as a resource for nation-building. And although it was founded only in August 2024, it has nevertheless come a long way towards achieving this objective.
Catherine Brillantes-Turvill, WETAP president and founder of the Nurture Wellness Village, made this clear in her talk at the association’s general meeting that celebrated the noteworthy accomplishments that the young organization has already achieved.
“We have made significant progress in advancing the Filipino brand of wellness through standards, innovations and community-driven programs,” she said. “We have also built – and continue to build – partnerships with local, national and international organizations to amplify the Philippines’ presence in the global wellness arena and ensure that wellness tourism in the Philippines remains inclusive, sustainable and globally respected.”
“More importantly, we are helping champion nation-building by generating impactful tourism revenue and creating meaningful livelihood opportunities,” she pointed out.
WeTAP’s third general meeting was sponsored and hosted by Treston International College, one of the first schools in the country to specialize in the unique combination of tourism, hospitality, culinary management, business, and information technology. Sheryl Genuino-See, the school’s deputy president, was the event’s other guest speaker who spoke on “How Treston International College Can Shape the Future of Filipino Wellness Tourism.” In her talk, she discussed how education can serve as a bridge in advancing the country’s wellness identity.
Opened by Atho de la Cruz. WeTAP executive director, the meeting featured messages from: Regina Santos, WeTAP training and development head, and Macky Beltran-Soriano, WeTAP PR officer. Vikki Aquino, WeTAP secretary general, also conducted an interactive activity on “Connection Hyperlink.”
In line with WeTAP’s focus on the continuing development of wellness tourism, the meeting also featured a wellness portion that had a “Sound Bath Healing and Guided Meditation” session facilitated by Simula Wellness.
For WeTAP Membership, please contact: wellnesstourismph@gmail.com
