ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of National Defense (DND) entered into a memorandum of agreement for the convergence of efforts to develop tourism in Mindanao.
The MOA signing was held on Wednesday, May 31, in a hotel in Zamboanga City.
DND Undersecretary Angelito de Leon (left), DOT Secretary Cristina Frasco, and DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos display copies of the agreement they signed for cooperation in the development of the tourism industry in Mindanao.
Under the Mindanao Tourism Convergence program, the three agencies will contribute their efforts and resources to address the challenges besetting the region and ensure the full development of Mindanao’s tourism potential.
"In Mindanao, peace has long been forged and it has reigned, therefore it is time to put to the fore the ethereal Mindanao beauty that has sometimes been relegated to the backburner,” said DOT Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco.
DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. called on the local government units to form a tourism plan and coordinate with various sectors in promoting tourism developmental projects.
The DOT Secretary also assured the deployment of police in various tourism destinations.
For his part, DND Undersecretary Angelito de Leon voiced the department’s commitment to the program.
“As security and peace are precognitions to national development, it is vital to place a premium on the safety of our tourists, and the overall security of tourism activities across the country,” said De Leon.
Frasco said that the time has come to fully promote Mindanao’s attractions, heritage, and culture and to re-introduce the region to the world.