Incoming DOT chief vows to give equal tourism opportunities in Mindanao

Ma. Christina Frasco. INQUIRER Visayas file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Inter-governmental coordination will help bring equal tourism opportunities in Mindanao, incoming Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said on Tuesday.

Frasco, the spokesperson of vice president-elect and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, noted that attractiveness of some areas in Mindanao was ripped by certain elements of society.

“I think the challenge as far as certain areas in Mindanao is concerned is that certain quarters have written off the attractiveness of these areas because of other incidences in the past caused by certain elements of our society and… it should be a general effort to shed light on these lesser known areas that have not been given the opportunity to shine because of challenges to peace and order,” she said on ANC’s Headstart.

“I think that by taking a comprehensive approach to tourism and that having an inter-governmental coordination as far as ensuring peace and order on one hand while introducing economic prosperity on the other hand can greatly help these certain areas in Mindanao that have not been given equal opportunity as far as tourism development is concerned,” she added.

Despite presence of terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group, the Tourism Promotions Board assured travelers that Mindanao is a safe tourism destination as peace talks are underway.

READ: Sara Duterte slams SCMP journalist for ‘demonization‘ of Mindanao

Strong governance model

Meanwhile, Frasco, the mayor of Liloan town in Cebu, said that they have a strong governance model there which could be applied to other areas in the country.

“We also have a very strong governance model as far as tourism is concerned. I believe that the tourism governance that has been established in Cebu could serve as a model that could be applied all over the Philippines as far as due respect and courtesy given to local government units for the tourist destinations within their jurisdiction,” she shared.

“Strong coordination as far as ensuring the sustainability of these tourist destinations, a very clear plan as far as the governmental support for tourism stakeholders, and collaboration, coordination and consensus building with tourism stakeholders [have] also proven to bode very well for the revival of the tourism industry in Cebu,” she continued.

As the next tourism chief, Frasco is eyeing to invest in infrastructure to improve access to tourist sites which could spur the country’s economy.

JPV