BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
ILOILO City – “Illegal drug issues do not affect the volume of tourist arrivals in Western Visayas.”
So said Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 director Helen Catalbas when asked how the vigorous campaign of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) against illegal drugs affected tourism in the region.
On the contrary, she stressed, “A drug-free community is always more attractive to good citizens and tourists. So we are hoping that PDEA and the PNP will strengthen further their campaign.”
The tourism regional director believes enhancing the image of a destination is very important in luring tourists.
Catalbas attributed the increasing tourist arrivals in Region 6 to the marketing efforts of the people in the DOT, to include provincial and municipal tourism offices down to the barangay level.
“Our marketing efforts complement the anti-drug campaign,” said Catalbas.
In Iloilo, Bingawan became the first town to be officially declared drug-free.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) had cleared 36 of the target 82 drug-affected barangays in the province as of Aug. 31.
Fourteen towns were able to clear two barangays while eight towns were able to clear one barangay each.
The anti-illegal drug campaign is one of the priorities of Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr.
“Our community will not progress nor achieve real peace if there are problems and criminalities because of illegal drugs,” said Defensor./PN
