by Robert E. Roperos

General Luna, Siargao Island (September 21) -- Officials of the provincial government of Surigao del Norte pass resolution asking foreign embassies to be specific in issuing travel advisories in Mindanao.

This was learned from Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Melva Garcia during the press conference of the 14th Siargao International Surfing Cup held on Saturday (September 20) at Cabuntog Resort here.

According to SP member Garcia, foreign embassies should specify what place in Mindanao a travel advisory must be issued because not all places in Mindanao are in conflict.

This was supported by Department of Tourism (DOT)-Caraga Regional Director Leticia Tan saying it's unfair for those peaceful places in Mindanao to be included in the travel advisory since the advisory is general, and this will affect the tourism industry of those regions.

"Say for example here in our region where Caraga is very peaceful in general, but because of these travel advisories, foreigners will have second thoughts of coming to our region", Dir. Tan said.

When asked of the status of the number of tourists visiting Caraga region, Dir. Tan said the travel advisories issued by some foreign embassies do not affect the influx of tourists visiting Caraga, especially at present where the 14th Siargao International Surfing Cup is staged in this town and will run until Friday (Sept. 26).

, Dir. Cynthia Lazo of the Sports and Wellness Division of DOT Central Office stressed that the conduct of the international surfing cup and other sports tourisms is a big help in elevating the tourism industry of the country.