by Fryan E. Abkilan

Gen. Luna, Siargao Island (September 21) -- The recent events happening in Lanao del Sur which led to the issuance of travel advisories by some countries did not really affect the tourist arrivals in Siargao.

This is the joint statements of officials of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Local Government of Surigao del Norte, and LGU-Gen. Luna in a press conference held yesterday (Sept.20) at Cabuntog Resort, this town.

DOT Caraga Regional Director Leticia Tan said statistics showed that at present, tourist arrivals in Caraga Region are increasing. "We're not affected by travel advisories because it dictates that our incoming visitors are still increasing so let us not be affected by the travel advisories," she said.

Likewise, Dir. Tan thanked the members of the media for helping the government in promoting the region as one of the tourist destinations in the Philippines. "With these people here advertising Gen. Luna, Siargao and entire Caraga Region, there is no reason for us to be afraid of travel advisories," Tan said.

Meanwhile, DOT Sports and Wellness Director Cynthia Lazo believed that as a whole it (travel advisory) does not affect much with the tourism industry of the country.

On the other hand, Surigao del Norte Board Member Melva Garcia for her part as the chair of committee on Tourism of the province bared the passage of a resolution addressed to different embassies requesting them in case they will issue travel advisory in Mindanao, but they should specify which part in Mindanao they're going to let their tourist not to go.

"So when it comes to Surigao we are a very peaceful province so they should not include Surigao del Norte for that matter as part of the whole," Garcia noted.