By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine government is committed to ensuring the safety of visiting tourists, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Wednesday as it took note of a Forbes Advisory report ranking the capital as the 5th “riskiest city” for tourists.
In a statement, the agency underscored that the enhancement of peace and security in the city is ongoing.
“The Department of Tourism is dedicated to upholding the safety and security of all tourists to our country. While we acknowledge the Forbes Advisory survey’s methodology, we understand its inherent limitations and potential oversight of the ongoing enhancements in peace and security in Manila,” it said.
The agency said it continues to work closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for travelers.
The government also continues to uphold “high safety standards” in all tourist destinations across the country.
Among the government’s programs is the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP), which trains and assigns police officers to tourist destinations to ensure their accessibility and readiness to aid tourists in need.
The DOT has also devised a comprehensive Tourism Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operations Manual, offering detailed protocols for addressing emergencies and disasters, ensuring the well-being of tourists and locals alike.
Another notable government program is the TourISM WoRCS (Tourism Integrates, Support, and Minds Women’s Respect and Child Safety), which seeks to safeguard women and children in the tourism industry.
“This program underscores our dedication to protecting the rights and safety of society’s most vulnerable members,” the DOT said.
It also cited the establishment of “tourism first aid facilities” in key destinations across the country meant to deliver prompt medical assistance to tourists, further guaranteeing their welfare during their travels.
It also touted its new Tourist Assistance Call Center, a dedicated 24/7 hotline for tourist-related concerns.
“On the whole, the DOT remains steadfast in collaborating with various government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities to implement and enhance safety measures, as we have so consistently shown by our various initiatives in order to help transform the Philippines into a premier tourist destination that prioritizes the safety and satisfaction of every visitor,” it said.
“The DOT is committed to fostering a tourism industry that not only thrives but also guarantees the safety and security of all its guests,” it added.
The Forbes Advisory analysis, released on July 11, compared 60 international cities to determine which are the most and least risky for tourists.
After considering metrics like travel safety, crime risk, personal security risk, health security, infrastructure, natural disaster, and digital security risk, the platform ranked Manila as the fifth riskiest city for tourists.
Meanwhile, Caracas, Venezuela came out as the most risky city for tourists, followed by Karachi in Pakistan, Yangon in Myanmar, and Lagos in Nigeria.
PNP checking report’s basis
The PNP, meanwhile, said it is checking the basis of Forbes’ report.
“Nakita na nga natin yang report na yan at titingnan natin kung ano ba yung mga naging basehan, kailan ba ito na-conduct ng survey (We have seen the report and we would check its basis and when was the survey conducted),” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a radio interview Thursday.
She assured the Manila Police District (MPD) is sparing no effort in maintaining peace and order in the country’s capital city.
She also said these pieces of information serve as a guide for the PNP in terms of enhancing police presence in tourist destinations and crime-prone areas. (with report from Lloyd Caliwan)
