In a historic move, the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of National Defense (DND), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), have joined together for the first ever Mindanao Tourism Convergence to forge a collaboration in promoting the region as a peaceful and viable destination for domestic and international travelers.
In a ceremonial signing at Zamboanga City, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., represented by Undersecretary Angelito De Leon, and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Jr., signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen inter-agency partnership by ensuring that peace, security, and order are prioritized in tourism development programs as part of the DOT’s seven-point agenda, with a specific focus on Mindanao.
The event also served as the avenue to manifest the Department’s commitment to promote responsible tourism, preserve the diverse natural and cultural heritage, and create an inclusive environment that would further foster growth in Mindanao and the entire country under the current administration.
DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, DND Assistant Secretary Henry Robinson, DILG Regional Director Paizal Abutazil, and Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe served as witnesses.
“At the beginning of the administration of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., he made very clear his intentions for the prioritization of tourism development in the Philippines, including and especially the reopening of Mindanao to tourism. As part of our commitment to the vision of our president, we have made strides towards the goal of fully reopening Mindanao to its tourism potential,” Frasco said.
“It is time to put to the fore the ethereal Mindanao beauty that has sometimes been relegated to the backburner.”
“It is time to put to the fore the ethereal Mindanao beauty that has sometimes been relegated to the backburner, to highlight to the world its spectacular views, its wonderful and amazing culture as well as the warmth and love of the people of Mindanao. Time has come to fully promote your sites, your heritage, your culture, your people, and to reintroduce this region to the world,” the tourism chief added.
Though not physically present at the Mindanao Tourism Convergence, Galvez has strongly forged the commitment of the DND for this momentous tourism undertaking.
“As we all know, Mindanao has a long history of being associated with violence, danger, and chaos. Terrorism has sought its ugly head and armed conflicts, not to mention the prevalence of crime, had sullied this promising area’s reputation, but that is no longer the case. Through the National Tourism Development Plan or NTDP 2023 to 2028, and pursuant to the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Tourism is set to establish Philippine tourism anchored on Filipino culture, heritage and identity, which aims to be sustainable, resilient and competitive in order to transform the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” the defense chief said in a message that De Leon delivered.
“We fully embrace our commitment to this endeavor as security and peace are preconditions to national development.”
“The NTDP captures what the Philippines have to offer to the world and signifies our relentless pursuit of leveling up the industry through a global tourism brand. As It is here in this mandate to protect the country against external and internal threats and to provide support for social and economic development, we fully embrace our commitment to this endeavor as security and peace are preconditions to national development. It is vital to place a premium on the safety of our tourists and the overall security of tourism activities across the country,” he added.
For his part, Abalos emphasized the role of tourist police and local government units (LGUs) to make the region a safe and viable destination for all.
“Through this convergence, the DILG commits to ensuring that our local police are properly deployed in tourist destinations. I also call on our LGUs to formulate their own local tourism plans, engage civic organizations in your localities, to collaborate and work together with the LGUs and other NGOs (non-government organizations) in promoting tourism developmental projects. We envision a tourism industry led by Secretary Frasco, that would really bring progress to the rural areas and promote economic activity in the provinces,” he stressed.
“Ma’am, suportado po namin kayo. Parati akong nasa likod ninyo,” Abalos proudly addressed Frasco, and also noted that the agreement is not just a piece of paper but a demonstration of the DILG’s “dedication and realization of the agencies’ aspirations, values, and objectives”.
