National tourist safety task force pushed

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has proposed the creation of a national task force aimed at ensuring the safety and security of both foreign and local tourists in the country.

During the Salaam Halal Expo in Quezon City on June 27, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the agency submitted the proposal to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

“I was with DILG Secretary Jonvic (Remulla) during our meeting in Malacañang for our proposal to convene a national tourist safety task force so that all agencies of government can consolidate their efforts in terms of conveying to the rest of the world that we prioritize tourist safety,” she said.

Frasco made the announcement days after she publicly criticized a report by foreign travel insurance firm HelloSafe, which labeled the Philippines as the “most unsafe” country for travelers.

Frasco rejected the label, stressing that “millions of Filipinos ensure everyday that our destinations across the country are safe.”

She emphasized the DOT’s ongoing safety initiatives, including a program that has already trained more than 8,000 police officers under the DILG’s jurisdiction to respond to crimes and emergencies involving tourists.

Remulla, according to Frasco, likewise rejected the HelloSafe report as “fake.”

Frasco led the opening of the three-day Salaam Halal Tourism and Trade Expo, which features halal-certified products, services and accommodations from across the country.

“This is an affirmation of the Marcos administration’s efforts to transform Philippine tourism into one that is inclusive, culturally sensitive and ready for visitors from around the world, especially from our Muslim-majority countries,” she said.

Aside from the expo, the DOT has also rolled out multiple initiatives to support halal and Muslim-friendly tourism in the country, including the production of a Philippine Muslim travelogue, recognition of halal-certified establishments and the launch of a Muslim-friendly cove in Boracay Island.

To support the government’s tourism efforts, the tourism chief urged the public to promote the country as a safe and welcoming destination for both local and foreign travelers.