PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — A resolution urging the Department of Tourism (DOT) to help set up tourism information centers in areas in Palawan frequented by tourists was filed before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) on Tuesday.
Board Member David Francis Ponce de Leon, author of the resolution, said these centers will also function as help desks against all forms of harassment, aggressive solicitations, and incidences that could ruin the province’s image as a tourist destination if left unresolved.
“These help desks will protect our tourists from harassment, and aggressive solicitations from locals who peddle services even if they’ve already expressed refusal, causing them distress during their vacation,” he said.
Ponce de Leon noted that the information centers are where travelers can get details about their destinations since not all are really provided by the internet.
“Today, they are not just information centers. These are points also to travelers who need police assistance or emergency medical assistance in case anything happens. These help desks should be comfortable locations where they would feel safe talking to someone,” he said.
He cited that Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991 states that local government units (LGUs) should share with the national government the responsibility of developing and promoting the local tourism industry.
“Tourism is undeniably beneficial to the province, and providing these centers and help desks would help Palawan’s tourism industry grow more,” said Ponce de Leon.
He said the tourism information centers should be one-stop, physical locations from which travelers could connect to local businesses and services, including police and medical assistance.
Ponce de Leon said the DOT can help provide funds to set up the help centers, in cooperation with LGUs. (Celeste Anna Formoso/PNA)