DOT Advocacy Campaign On Security Awareness

The Department of Tourism is on an advocacy campaign on assuring tourists while in the country through Security of Tourists Operation Program (STOP) and The Universal Recognition in the Security of Tourist Awards (TURISTA), regarding security alertness. Led by the Office of the Undersecretary for Security and Political Affairs, upon the initiative of the Secretary of the Department of Tourism Honorable Joseph "Ace" Durano, tourists' safety is prioritized.

STOP is a consolidated engagement with the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) - Department of National Defense to heighten the possibilities of tourism stakeholders in controlling catastrophes and security intimidation; to strengthen the community's diligence by administering lectures, orientations, workshops, visual presentations, and the like.

According to DOT-7 Director Patria Aurora B. Roa, the first seminar was successfully held in Boracay Island. STOP workshops for the rest of the destinations will continue until the end of the year.

For August 2005, workshops are going to be held in Laoag and Puerto Galera. In September and October, workshops will take place in the Islands of Camiguin, Siargao, Samal, and the City of Legaspi. The series of seminar workshops in November are going to be held in General Santos City, Banaue, and Zamboanga City.

Aside from the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP)- Department of National Defense, there are several agencies that actively participate in the said project. These include the Junior Chamber International Philippines (National Jaycees); Rotary International 03810 (Philippine Rotary Club); Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA); and the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA).

Under STOP's Memorandum of Agreement between DOT and NDCP, the DOT will lead in administering seminar workshops to benefit frontline personnel tasked in improving safety of tourists. On the other hand, the NDCP conforms to support facilitators and technical personnel for the workshops.

The DOT also launched the Philippines' TURISTA program to encourage the participation of different sectors. The program has been designed to search for individuals, private corporations, local government units, and foreign embassies for exceptional contribution in protecting the tourist's well-being. It also aims to establish linkages with other government agencies, particularly the military and the police.

Police Regional Office- R7 Senior Superintendent Ronald D. Roderos said that they are eager and willing to support STOP and TURISTA. In fact the SWAT teams are trained to secure the safety of the people. He added that TURISTA is an excellent idea to recognize those who have shown remarkable contribution to the safety and security of tourists in the country.

Tourism Undersecretary Salvador Sarabia, Jr. headed the launching of STOP and TURISTA. Both projects will soon change the image of the Philippines as one the safest destinations in Asia.