Seeking to promote Mindanao as a “peaceful and viable destination” for domestic and international travelers, the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have collaborated for the first time for the Mindanao Tourism Convergence.

Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco, Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., represented by Undersecretary Angelito De Leon, and Interior Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last Wednesday, May 31, in Zamboanga City, to fortify inter-agency partnership by ensuring that peace, security, and order are prioritized in tourism development programs as part of the DOT's seven-point agenda, with a specific focus on Mindanao.

In her speech during the MOA signing ceremony, the DOT chief emphasized the crucial efforts to create an environment that fosters equal tourism opportunities for all regions, particularly in certain areas in the Philippines such as Mindanao, which may not have received many opportunities for tourism development in the past due to “challenges brought about by untoward incidents”.

“At the beginning of the administration of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., he made very clear his intentions for the prioritization of tourism development in the Philippines, including and especially the reopening of Mindanao to tourism. As part of our commitment to the vision of our president, we have made strides towards the goal of fully reopening Mindanao to its tourism potential,” said  Frasco.

According to the tourism department, the time has come for Mindanao to be reintroduced to the world, not only with its natural resources, but also with its people, customs, heritage assets, and culture.

“It is time to put to the fore the ethereal Mindanao beauty that has sometimes been relegated to the backburner, to highlight to the world its spectacular views, its wonderful and amazing culture as well as the warmth and love of the people of Mindanao. Time has come to fully promote your sites, your heritage, your culture, your people, and to reintroduce this region to the world,” she said.

“So, we signed this agreement today with high hopes and a firm resolve for us in the national government, to be able to deliver the necessary support from agencies of government to Mindanao so that you will receive the opportunities for tourism development that you deserve.”

With this, Frasco announced that DOT plans to invite foreign ambassadors to witness the majestic beauty of Mindanao to boost the promotion of the region.

Agencies working together for Mindanao’s promotion

The tourism department intends to engage local communities, including indigenous peoples, in the preservation of both biophysical and cultural diversity.

In order to build rural and insurgency-free communities, areas with tourism potential in the area, and other selected locations, the agreement between the three national government agencies should lay out the framework. The DOT said the framework will be implemented through the execution of community-based tourism programs.

By offering assessments and recommendations in the potential regions for tourism development, the DND would support the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) ongoing peace and security programs.

Meanwhile, the DILG will sustain programs to ensure peace and order in tourist destinations by deploying tourism police personnel and coordinating with LGUs to train police auxiliary forces for tourist security.

The DOT said it will be responsible for the development of tourism circuits, provide tourism product development to emerging destinations as well as the provision of training intervention programs and livelihood assistance to tourism communities and workers.