Tacloban City (19 July) -- In its campaign of assuring safety of tourists while visiting our country, the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo through the initiative of the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Office of the Under-Secretary for Security and Political Affairs in cooperation with the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), the Junior Chamber International Philippines (National Jaycees), the Rotary International 03810 (Philippine Rotary Club), the Philippine Tour Operators Associations (PHILTOA), and the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), holds a Regional Press Launch for the STOP (Safety of Tourist Operational Program) and Project Philippines’ TURISTA (The Universal Recognition in the Security of Tourists Awards).

DOT Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said that the Regional Launching of STOP and PHILIPPINES’ TURISTA today, July 19 in Tacloban City, will be attended by government agencies and non-government organizations headed by Jaycees, and Rotary Clubs. Authorities from the Tacloban Philippine National Police are also expected to grace the affair.

The DOT initiated campaign focuses on security awareness upon the initiative of DOT Secretary Joseph Durano. The advocacy campaign aims to protect tourists while in the country through the implementation of security awareness.

STOP is a nationwide tactical work program that assures foreign and local tourists that the Philippine government is capable to cope with natural and man-made disasters by strengthening the implementation of disaster programs.

It aims to enhance the capabilities of tourism stakeholders in managing disasters and security threats in order to predict, mitigate, plan for and cope with the effects of the damages caused. STOP also aims to intensify the vigilance of the community by conducting lectures, orientations, workshops, and visual presentations, among others. And lastly, it provides assistance to the victims and to help rehabilitate the community.

On the other hand, TURISTA is a nationwide campaign to recognize outstanding involvement on tourist safety and security of Philippine tourist destinations of individuals, private corporations, local government units, and foreign embassies.

It aims to improve relationships with the different sectors in the community especially the tourism industry in order to improve their awareness on disasters and security. Likewise, it aims to establish linkages with other government agencies particularly the military and the police in order to involve them more in the security of our local attractions and safety of tourists, and improve the image of the country by projecting an image as the Philippines being one of Asia’s safest destinations. (PIA-8/maa)