Bangsamoro peace pact to boost tourism sector in Central Mindanao

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines – The tourism industry in Central Mindanao, which had suffered in times of clashes between Moro rebels and government security forces, would be among sectors expected to benefit from the recently-signed peace deal, the region’s tourism director said.

AN ESTIMATED 6,000 Bangsamoro supporters join a prayer rally in Banggolo,Marawi City, on Thursday to celebrate the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. RICHEL V. UMEL / INQUIRER MINDANAO FILE PHOTO

Nelly Dillera said the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro will also boost confidence for the region, also known as Soccsksargen.

Soccsksargen stands for north and south Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos. It hosts, among others, the Gumasa beaches in Sarangani and the Mt. Apo national park.

Dillera said when clashes and other forms of violence took place in the past – even in areas outside of the region – the tourism industry of Central Mindanao suffered a downturn along with other Mindanao areas.

“Foreign governments would issue travel advisories that prohibit their citizens to travel to the region and other parts of Mindanao because Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels clashed with soldiers elsewhere, or a kidnapping involving suspected rebels occurred somewhere else,” an industry insider told the Inquirer by phone.

The tourism insider, who requested anonymity for lack of authority to speak on behalf of the sector, said whenever things get awry in other areas, Central Mindanao’s visitor figure would drastically decrease.

“The establishment of Bangsamoro government will improve the tourism industry even as it creates more job opportunities and investments in the region although we are not part of the new political entity,” Dillera told reporters here.

She explained that increased tourist arrivals would increase revenues among industry players. The more people arriving, the more people would be needed to see to their requirements, she said.

“You know peace is the number one requirement that tourists needed before jumping in,” Dillera said. Edwin Fernandez, Inquirer Mindanao

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