ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Department of Tourism (DOT)- 9, in support to the national government’s campaign to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) in the Philippines, rolled out its programs to keep insurgency-free rural areas in Zamboanga Peninsula developed and peaceful.
This year, the DOT-9 has conducted Barangay Tanod Sa Turismo Training in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga City. This training aims to forge a strong and enduring partnership with local government units (LGU) and barangays in ensuring the safety and security of tourists in various destinations. It also familiarizes the barangay tanods on Philippine Tourism and its impact on the LGUs.
Regional Director Dara May Cataluña said the DOT is focusing on emerging and lesser-known areas in the region, exploring ways to showcase them both domestically and internationally.
“We aim to go further to the declared insurgency free areas. We are working with the local government units to help them and assist them in promoting their sites and attractions as a destination in Zamboanga Peninsula,” she said.
The DOT has conducted the TOPCOP Training (Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection) in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Pagadian City. The Philippine National Police has partnered with the department to strengthen both agencies’ relationship in providing a safe and secure environment for tourists and ensuring the availability of tourist police in tourist destinations nationwide.
Furthermore, in 2023, the DOT implemented its Tourism Peace Village program. This included providing a starter kit for the project in the form of facility and information, education, and communication enhancement at the indigenous people’s house in the municipality of Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte. The project has an approved budget of P600,000 and has served the local community of Siayan town.
Director Cataluña said DOT will continue to conduct and implement programs promoting emerging tourism sites and attractions as a destination. She emphasizes the role of safety and security in tourism promotion.
“The safety and security of our guests is our top priority. We want to ensure that our visitors have a wonderful experience in Zamboanga Peninsula while also promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit our local communities,” she emphasized. (EDT/CCP/PIA9)
