DOT to promote Arnis to boost sports tourism

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT-7) vowed to take the lead in promoting national sports Arnis to further promote sports tourism in Cebu and Central Visayas.

Speaking before the delegates of Tourism Innovation Forum yesterday at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, DOT-7 regional director Shalimar Tamano appealed to private sector players to hype the real Cebuano sport Arnis, as another attraction for the international sports tourism market.

"Arnis is [good] tourism product that has not received proper attention," said Tamano, who is also a martial arts enthusiast.

Cebu and Mactan could organize a huge pilgrimage to invite the world to see the real masters of Arnis in Cebu.

Cebu should own this declared national sports as its historical traces are of real Cebuano martial art.

Arnis was declared as the Philippine National Martial Art and Sport on December 11, 2009 through Republic Act 9850 signed by then President Gloria Arroyo.

Tamano mentioned that while Hollywood has been appreciating Arnis, as shown in several blockbuster movies like Bourne Identity, also popularized by Bruce Lee, the Philippines still has to regain its deep appreciation and pride on this particular discipline in martial arts and sports.

In fact, there is an international Arnis competition in Hawaii this year that draws sizeable tourism arrivals. Cebu is trying to bid to host the same competition next year.

The indigenous and only traditional Filipino martial art, otherwise known as Eskrima or Kali, could put Cebu in the international map of sports tourism if promoted strongly.

Tamano said he is already in talks with Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, the author of the Arnis Law, for a possible hype and strong promotion programs and boost sports tourism.

Arnis, he added is not only a unique and sophisticated martial art, promoting it would   also heighten awareness of Philippine heritage and culture.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed Central Visayas tourism director reiterated his thrust in strengthening security and safety across the region, as these are foundations of a sustainable and robust tourism sector.

Just like Singapore and Japan, these two tourism star destinations are excellent in implementing their security and safety programs, no wonder they are rich in tourism revenues.