Vendors told to organize, undergo training

CEBU, Philippines – There is now a proposal introduced in Lapu-Lapu City seeking to organize vendors selling items for tourists and let them undergo proper training and seminar on dealing with visitors.

Gerardo Augusto, barangay councilor in Maribago, made the suggestion in order to protect the image of the city as a "favorite" destination of tourists in the country.

According to Augusto, vendors selling souvenir items in the different beach resorts should be aware of their important role in dealing with tourists.

Augusto recalled previous incidents where tourists who wanted to go island hoping were victimized by a person who pretended to have contact with a pumpboat operator for island hopping. After receiving P5,000 from the tourists who hired his services, the man reportedly failed to deliver his promise.

Augusto said he also received reports that some persons approached visitors in the barangay and offer them women.

Augusto clarified that Barangay Maribago closely is monitoring those who engage in these types of illegal services.

He further said they have told vendors that they are defending the tourists since they are a source of their livelihood.

Lapu-Lapu City police assured the public and visiting tourists that they closely monitor the activities of those who victimize tourists.

The Lapu-Lapu City Police has created a special team called tourist police whose main duty is to ensure the safety of tourists.