Rising above uncertainties

DESPITE travel advisories posted against the Philippines, foreigners—especially Europeans—remain unfazed and have continued to come and visit the country.
The Department of Tourism (DOT), further confirmed that tourists still consider the Philippines as an ideal destination. The agency backed it up reporting that 3.9 million tourists visited the country last year, which was 4.6 percent higher than the expected 3.7 million tourist arrivals.
Eyeing 4.6 million tourists this year, and 10 million foreign visits by 2016, the government plans to invest on infrastructure and other revamping projects that would not only boost tourism in the country, but would also generate more jobs for Filipinos.
Secretary Florencio Abad of the Budget and Management sector later revealed last Feb. 8 that the government is bullish on tourism-related projects that would make it more pleasant and convenient for tourists who are staying in the country. Different projects of various government agencies include building roads, bridges, airports, improving leisure parks as well as promoting tourism.
This year poses a flourishing year with a lot of projects, aimed towards a competitive Philippine tourism. Critics of the Aquino administration however, believe that the security of foreign visitor must be prioritized especially with the current travel warnings posted against the country recently. These include the recent kidnapping of the two European wildlife photographers and a 53-year old Australian in Tawi-Tawi, prompting the United Kingdom (UK) to once again warn its citizens to take caution when visiting the Philippines. Prior to UK’s travel ban was Australia’s travel advisory to its citizens to reconsider their plans of visiting the Philippines due to an “unpredictable security situation.” Last year, it can be recalled that UK and Australia have posted similar travel warnings together with the United States because of the reported terrorist attacks in certain parts of the Philippines.
With respect to the concerned foreign embassies who issued a travel warning to the Philippines, President Aquino was not the one to deny. Before the Feast of the Black Nazarene last Jan. 10, the president warned the public on a possible terror attack at the annual procession, which draws many devotees and tourists in Manila each year.
Speaking after the feast was presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, who said that the peaceful celebration was proof that the Aquino administration is prepared and committed on ensuring the safety of tourists in the country.
Noting the incident in Tawi- Tawi, the DOT, meanwhile, said last weekend that the mishap “could have been avoided had the visitors taken necessary precautions.”
Any nation could only do so much to prepare in cases of threats or looming tragedies. Should mishaps happen, people should not be so fast to point fingers but also see the good things that are being done for them altogether. If the government has exercised all efforts of preparation and unfortunate events still prevail, it will be unfair to say that the latter did not do its part at all. While the government answers to its citizens, the citizens should first depend on themselves when it comes to their own welfare.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(NYNJ Feb 10-16, 2012 Sec A pg. 6)