Tourism not affected by all-out offensive: DOT 11

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
There have been no cancelations of big events in Region 11 despite the all-out offensive of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) in Maguindanao that has been going on for more than a week.
In an interview, Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 regional director Roberto Alabado III told Edge Davao that his office actually assumes that the region is not affected by the conflict.
He said big events in the region such as the Visit Davao Fun Sale in Davao City and the Palarong Pambansa in Tagum City, Davao del Norte will push through this summer as scheduled.
Alabado, however, said the DOT still expects the conflict to affect the region because of the negative perception of people on Mindanao.
He said he hopes the media will help DOT by telling people from other places that Davao region is safe.
“Kasi, mukhang ang lumalabas lagi sa diyaryo (It seems that most of the news published in newspapers is that) there is a war in Mindanao (even though) Mindanao is a very large area,” he said.
Alabado gave assurance to tourists that they are safe in the region.
“Our attractions here in the region are very good and we hope that the every place will be visited,” he said.