Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. and National Defense Undersecretary Angelito de Leon on Wednesday formally forged a memorandum of agreement to fully open Mindanao to tourism, a historical event, envisaged as “a definitive and deliberate strategy to pave way for significant transformation of the image and perspective of Mindanao specifically in tourism.”
Dubbed as Mindanao Tourism Convergence, the DOT-initiated event, was the first of its kind with Zamboanga City as the signing site.
Secretary Frasco said the event manifests the commitment of the said agencies to be active partners to bring to light the hidden gems of Mindanao and equalize tourism development in this part of the country.
“Tourism in Mndanao is moving forward for today, for the people of Mindanao, we are taking stock of what we have and looking to the future with optimism and hope that with peace and security as the bedrock of development, the opportunities are endless for Mindanao,” Sec. Frasco declared.
Mayor John Dalipe, who witnessed the MOA signing event, expressed commitment to tourism development stressing that “we stand united in our belief in the transformative power of tourism.”
“Tourism is not just about attracting visitors, it’s a catalyst for economic growth, a pathway towards understanding and harmony among diverse communities,” Mayor Dalipe emphasized.
Sec. Abalos, for his part said the accord that the DOT, DND and DILG entered into “is not just a piece of paper but a demonstration of our dedication, a realization of our mutual aspirations, values and objectives”. He pledged to ensure peace and development and that security can be attained through collaboration within organizations.
The DILG Secretary committed to ensure that policemen are properly deployed in tourist destinations, as he called on all Local Government Units in Mindanao to come up with their own tourism development programs.
Usec. De Leon, who represented Sec. Carlito Galvez, likewise pledged commitment to the endeavor stating that security and peace play a vital role in national development. “The DND through the AFP is up to the task of fulfilling our mandate which include alignment of peace and security plan with tourism potentials in Mindanao especially in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.
Present during the event were officials from the 3 leading agencies and local chief executives from all over Zampen and other stakeholders. (Sheila Covarrubias, (photo courtesy by Kathy Wee Sit)
(Source: City Government of Zamboanga Facebook page)