In pursuit of a more bolstered tourism industry, the province of Lanao del Sur is gearing up for the fulfillment of some strategies intended to assuage the localities from the security concerns, leading to the creation of an image enticing a greater influx of tourists.
Provincial Tourism Operation Officer Yusoph Saaban has earlier highlighted that boosted tourism should be maintained in every place, considering that this provides both direct and indirect economic benefits, helps attain environmental objectives, and generates various social and cultural benefits.
In the realization of this vision, Provincial Tourism Office Supervising Tourism Operation Officer Prince Shoudery Galo stressed that peace and order should be given attention as this is a huge matter that significantly influences the industry and its overall mission.
“Ang ating tourism ay nakadepende sa kung ano ang status ng ating security and safety that circles around the crime rate and terrorism, especially dito sa atin sa Lanao del Sur. Although mayroon tayong short-term impacts na nakakaapekto sa ating turismo pero these create a big impact pagdating sa ating tourism branding considerations,” he said during his message in the Provincial Tourism, Culture and the Arts Council (PTCAC) peace and order sectoral meeting, August 8.
(Our tourism depends on the status of our security and safety that circles the crime rate and terrorism, especially here in Lanao del Sur. Although there are short-term impacts that affect our tourism, these create a big impact when it comes to our tourism branding considerations.)
Following the discernment of schemes, PTCAC Chairperson Sittie Aishah Baicon Cayongcat Nuska looked forward to the days to come when the province would be able to have the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) as its potential partner for peace and security which was deemed as a factor not only for tourism but also the local economy.
She bared that it was also agreed to strengthen the police visibility and involve the religious sector, noting that everyone has a role to play to advance the development in their respective areas.
Nuska also encouraged the local government units to have hotline numbers of major line agencies and adapt necessary protocols not only for cultural sensitivity but also security procedures such as no armed people on the premises of tourist attractions.
“The reason why we are answering this [what is for us a tourist destination] is because we will know our moves. Hopefully, within or in the following year, we will be able to address all these concerns. At least we now have our baseline, and we will see our progress every quarter, which will be our very good achievement,” she said.
Meanwhile, Provincial Tourism Officer Ahmad Nouraldinn Tamano Jr. heartened all stakeholders to go hand-in-hand with the provincial government to witness a progressive tourism industry.
“After all, ang magbebenefit dito ay ang community natin (our community will be the ones benefiting from this). Let us continue to work together towards a more secure and prosperous tourism industry in Lanao del Sur,” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
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