The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) reacted to the recent travel advisory issued by the Canadian government to Mindanao.
On January 10, 2024, the government of Canada released an advisory urging Canadian citizens to avoid traveling to the some provinces in Mindanao due to the serious threat of terrorism, kidnapping, high levels of crime, and violent clashes between the security forces and rebel groups.
The Canadian government advised tourists not to travel to the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM); Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao; Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat) in Soccsksargen and Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay in Zamboanga Peninsula.
The advisory also urged tourists to avoid non-essential travel to Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte excluding Siargao Island and Surigao del Sur in Caraga Region.
However, the advisory does not include Davao City.
DCCCII emphasized that it is imperative to dispel unfounded fears, uncertainties, and doubts created by the said travel advisory.
In a statement, DCCCII believes that it is crucial to differentiate travel advisories from the security of commercial activities.
The group said these are distinct matters as evidenced by the thriving ICT and service industries, among others in Mindanao, particularly in Davao.
“This distinction also holds for the agriculture sector. Numerous major agricultural companies engaged in export, operate successfully in challenging areas. The people of Mindanao are known for their peaceful nature, experiencing their culture, interacting with locals, and immersing oneself in the environment can transform initial and perceived negative impressions into positive ones,” the group said.
DCCCII added that Mindanao, especially Davao, boasts significantly improved infrastructure, with ongoing projects set to further enhance connectivity.
The group mentioned that concrete highways now crisscross the Davao Region, benefitting both tourists and investors, and that despite the challenges, there have been no major energy disruptions on the island.
DCCCII also highlighted that the Davao International Airport (DIA) continues to see an increase in both local and international flights.
“The perceived situation presents an opportunity, and adopting a forward-looking approach is crucial. The “wait and see” attitude should be a thing of the past. The thriving business climate of Davao City, and the Davao Region, is evident with the presence of the different consulate generals of different counties, and the increasing tourist arrivals and the numerous inbound trade missions from investors from all over the world,” the group said.
