Peace and order key to successful tourism industry

By Maricar M. Calubiran

MANILA—Department of Tourism Undersecretary Salvador Sarabia Jr. stressed that peace and order in the countryside is the fundamental key for a flourishing tourism industry. “Tourism is important generator of employment, a major foreign exchange earner and important factor in regional development.”

Sarabia, who was the guest speaker in the launching of the Experience Iloilo-Guimaras 2006 last Saturday said the fight against terrorism is even high in the national agenda. “No country is immune in this modern day famine and terrorism.”

The launching of the Experience Iloilo-Guimaras was in relation to the Best of Western Visayas presentation in Intramuros. Experience Iloilo-Guimaras aims to promote Iloilo and Guimaras as a tourism, trade and investment in 2006. “Filipinos should be mindful not only of the benefit of tourism but also the possibility of maintenance of peace and order.”

Sarabia, who takes charge of the security and political affairs of the department, explained terrorism has been here long a long time. It could not be defeated and can only be contained. “The only thing we can do to combat terrorism is to increase the level of awareness and preparedness of the citizenry, intelligence data gathering and heightened security.”

He said the sustainability of the project rest primarily on the country's peace and order situation. There should be a consistent development management approach, a clear product definition, an oriented new market and sustainability.

Sarabia added the Department of Tourism would be a party to explain and make their tourism partners aware what terrorism and disaster are all about. “It is imperative for the tourism authorities to develop and enhance their capability in preparing, investigating and managing security threats and disasters.”

To further strengthen the tourism industry in the country, the department together with the National Defense College of the Philippines will launch next month a project dubbed as “TOP COP”, or tourism oriented policemen, community oriented police. Policemen and women would be trained on how to handle tourist and tourist problems.

 Aside from the TOP COP, the DOT will likewise launch a project called “TURISTA” Local government unit, private and commercial establishments, individuals, foreign embassies will be honored for their outstanding contributions to the security of tourist and safety of the tourist destination in the TURISTA project. The Jaycees and Rotary Clubs will be tapped during the evaluation process.