Northern region gears up for tourist influx

Northern Philippines' Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) is gearing up for the expected influx of tourists next year for the Visit Philippines 2003 by improving security for foreign and local visitors, officials in the mountain region said.

Chief Supt. George Alino, regional director, said that they have enough security for tourists planning to explore attractions in the region next year. The region, composed of the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Benguet, Ifugao and Mountain Province, has at least 14 most-celebrated events frequented by tourists.

Tourists are also expected to enjoy tour offerings such as hot springs, trekking and mountain-climbing in Mount Ugo in Benguet province.

Alino noted that he was directed on June 18 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to create a task force to protect tourists visiting the famous rice terraces in Ifugao.

The 4,000 year-old Ifugao Rice Terraces is one of the country's major tourist attractions and has been considered as a heritage site by the UN.

"We have a lot of preparations being made right now for the project," he said.

He noted that his men have already attended seminars and training in connection with the tourist influx.

The Philippines has been chosen by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) as the major international tourism site for 2003, with Korea and Japan holding the prestigious post for 2002 due to the World Cup which the two countries co-hosted.

Alino said that they will be setting up four police detachments in Mount Polis, Ifugao and Mountain Province to ensure the security of visitors.

Aliño added that besides members of the army-led militia, the Civil Armed Forces Geographical Units, that will join the policemen in policing the areas, there will also be security assistance from the police Special Action Force.

There will also be a Tourists Output Police desk that will immediately act if there are any complaints from tourists. "Petty crimes are no longer being experienced by tourists in the place for we continue manning the place."

Recently, 12 members of a local syndicate who mugged tourists were arrested by policemen in Cordillera.