InvesTOUR Forum: On Peace and Order to Support Tourism

Tourism plays an important role in the economy of the country. The Philippines is rich in natural beauty from its breathtaking beaches, magnificent caves and activities that are perfect for nature-loving travelers. Farm tourism in the Philippines is growing fast. Having been to different farms all over the country, I'm really proud of what we have achieved and looking forward that the Philippines will lead farm tourism in Asia.

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Acknowledging the crucial role that ‘peace and order’ plays in the success of the Philippines’ tourism industry, NCRPO Chief P/Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has vowed to enhance the CRPO’s drive against criminality and violence in the National Capital Region. Speaking during a press briefing on the coming Investour Forum sponsored by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in Taguig City, in Taguig, Gen. Eleazar shared that tourism has been a major contributor to the gross income of the country and should thus be supported by the police force.

“As in all business investment endeavors, peace and order is a pre-requisite to the success of our tourism industry,” Eleazar stressed. “The support towards the tourism industry sectors provided by the police is therefore critical and essential,” he added.

The NCRPO chief noted that one of the most dreaded pronouncements that a country can get is a travel ban which is generated by two factors: the peace and order situation of the area and health concerns in epidemic proportions.

“From our end here in Metro Manila, we have classified special places and festivals as special tourism points, so that we may provide these places and events the necessary emphasis in terms of police service and support,” Eleazar declared.

According to the NCRPO chief, the classified places include places of historical significance such as the Rizal Park and Paco Park. Other areas included in the classification are five-star hotels and casinos, big shopping malls, business circuits and churches with historical significance.

“With a basic strategy of increasing police presence in these areas, we have had a successful and healthy circulation of foreign and domestic tourists, including balikbayans,” Eleazar revealed. “From January to August of this year, the Department of Tourism and our police districts have tallied 38,183,193 tourists here in Metro Manila alone,” he added.

The NCRPO chief attributed the perky tourism industry in Metro Manila to a robust peace and order situation.

“Compared to the last three years of the previous administration, the Duterte administration has recorded a 58% decline in the volume of major crimes, such as murder, homicide, rape, theft, robbery, kidnapping, carnapping, motornapping, and serious physical injuries.”

He then proceeded to attribute the improved peace-and-order situation to eight factors: the government’s successful war on drugs, the increase in the police force that has boosted police presence, the role of media in sending a clear message that the police force is doing its job, the serious internal cleansing instituted in the NCRPO, new communications technology and the advent of social media, the increase in the salaries of the police, the president’s order to implement local ordinances against certain night-time activities, and the NCRPO’s Intensified Cleanliness Policy or ICP.

Gen. Eleazar ended his talk by emphasizing that the NCRPO cannot sit on their laurels. “The quest for the ideal peace and order situation is a never-ending grind for any nation, especially in a developing country like ours,” he stressed.

The press briefing, which was held at the Manila House in Bonifacio Global City, was about the coming “Investour Forum on TIEZA’s Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zones”. The forum will be held at the Centennial Ballroom of the Manila Hotel, Manila on October 15, 2019.

The Investour Forum will focus on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives as approved by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and clarify the difference between the 12 Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs), five Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zones (FTEZs), and thousands of Registered Tourism Enterprises (RTEs). NCRPO Chief P/Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar vows to intensify peace and order efforts to support tourism.

Whether you're traveling to the Philippines or else where in the world, always remember that there are policies and law that needs to follow. It is our responsibility to be familiar with these policies/law for a better and safer travel.