Lanao Sur steps up security plans to boost tourism industry

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)–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 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. It also 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.

Members of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Tourism, Culture and the Arts Council come together for its peace and order sectoral meeting which thoroughly tackles the crucial contribution of security in the tourism industry. (MJP/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

“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 [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 have a big impact when it comes to our tourism branding considerations],” he said during the Provincial Tourism, Culture and the Arts Council (PTCAC) peace and order sectoral meeting, August 8.

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 a factor not only for tourism but also the local economy.

She noted that it was also agreed to strengthen the police’s visibility and involve the religious sector, noting that everyone has a role to play in advancing development in their respective areas.

Nuska also encouraged the local government units to have hotline numbers for major line agencies and adapt necessary protocols not only for cultural sensitivity but also for 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 next 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. encouraged 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.

Lanao del Sur Provincial Tourism, Culture and the Arts Council Chairperson Sittie Aishah Baicon Cayongcat Nuska (left) and Provincial Tourism Office Supervising Tourism Operation Officer Prince Shoudery Galo listen to every insight shared by the council members which are deemed beneficial for the improvement of the status of peace and security in the province and may give a boost to the tourism industry. (MJP/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

According to the Provincial Tourism Office, 78,053 tourists have spent a day in the province as of July this year while 44,257 guests have been accommodated by some tourist houses here.

Resting in a tranquil and solemn spot in Picong, Lanao del Sur, the Picong Beach and Rest Stop Area opens to welcome guests from other regions who long to feel the fresh sea breeze and enjoy the white sand. (MAFAR-Picong)

There are at least 36 tourist destinations validated by the provincial government alongside the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT), and are now deemed potential elements in advancing the tourism industry. Among these are the Picong Beach and Rest Stop Area in Picong town, the Mindanao State University (MSU) Kalilang Golf and Country Club in Marawi City, and the Spanish Bridge in Lumbaca-Unayan town, among others. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

The Mindanao State University (MSU) holds a wonderful golf course named MSU Kalilang Golf and Country Club that sits among the picturesque scenery of trees, fronting the breathtaking view of Lake Lanao and Sleeping Lady Mountain. Such a place receives tourists who want to seize the beautiful air while playing relaxing sports, specifically golf. (MTSE Ticketing Outle

Apart from sites designed for entertainment, Lanao del Sur province also houses historical sites which tourists can personally visit to reminisce the centuries in the past. Among these is the 90-meter Spanish Bridge located in Lumba-Unayan, Lanao del Sur. (Ferdinandh Ballentes Cabrera)

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