Tourism chief hails Sulu's transformation

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco hailed the dramatic transformation of the Sulu from once sleepy and war-ravaged province to what it is now - a vibrant place where locals and tourists are now enjoying the peaceful ambience and economic progress of this culturally rich island.

Sulu provincial government photos show the visit of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

Governor Sakur Tan led local mayors and stakeholders in welcoming Frasco, who recently visited the province with her team. She was the first tourism secretary to have visited Sulu, according to Tan, who enthused about his “adopted granddaughter” during her visit.

"Actually, you are the first to visit us here. We were visited by presidents and members of the Cabinet in the past, but never by the secretary of tourism. Kayo lang po ang bumisita dito sa amin. Ito ay hindi namin malilimutan, our gratitude is beyond words to express," Tan told Frasco. "So dapat marinig ito ng buong bayan, ng buong Pilipinas, na nandito si Secretary Frasco. Your coming here conveys that we are open to the world, that the province of Sulu is ready, very much ready for tourism."
 
Frasco also engaged with Tan and convened with the entire assembly of 19 municipal mayors before witnessing a cultural showcase. "I am immensely grateful and happy to find myself here in the beautiful province of Sulu, to see for myself that Sulu is ready for tourism under the able and visionary leadership of your Governor. I am very grateful to be here because iyong direktiba po ng ating Presidente (Ferdinand Marcos) na kinakailangan talaga na dalhin natin yun benepisyo ng turismo sa lahat ng sulok ng Pilipinas at kaya naman po pumunta ako dito sa probinsya ng Sulu," Frasco told Tan and other stakeholders during the meeting.

Frasco also highlighted that tourism has emerged as one of the most robust pillars of our economy. In 2022, it played a pivotal role by providing over 5.35 million jobs for our fellow Filipinos. In terms of our gross domestic product, tourism contributed a substantial P1.87 trillion to the economy in 2022 and P482 billion in 2023.

Frasco announced plans for the construction of a Tourist Rest Area in Sulu, marking the first of its kind in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. She said this initiative serves as a gesture of appreciation to the province of Sulu for their dedicated efforts in promoting the province as a tourist destination. “What this TRA can and will do, apart from ensuring tourist convenience, is to convey to the world the government's confidence in the tourism potential and tourism development of your province," Frasco said.

She also said that the commitment to Sulu’s tourism development is evident through the Department's support for Sulu, including its promotion through the Travel Philippines App, enhanced connectivity via the exploration of commercial flights, and the promotion of the country's Muslim-friendly and Halal tourism portfolio. The Tausug community also presented a captivating cultural showcase at the Sumadja Hall of the Capitol Complex in Patikul town.

The cultural presentation featured performances such as the Suling (small bamboo flute), Luguh (arpeggios and trill notes with melismatic overtures song), Linggisan (traditional fingernails dance), Gabbang/Biyula (bamboo xylophone), Panamung Sug (a fashion exhibition highlighting traditional Tausug clothing, textiles, and creative expressions), as well as the Pangalay ha Patung (bamboo dance). Additionally, a medley of Tausug songs was performed by the local group, Sulu Stars. Adding to the visual spectacle, multiple Taguri or Sulu kites, also considered competitive sports, adorned the Capitol.

Frasco said the DOT reaffirms its commitment towards sustainable tourism development initiatives in the Philippines, particularly in the development and promotion of the country’s dive tourism where Sulu is also famous for. 

"Masaya kaming lahat dito at nadalaw nga kami ni Secretary Frasco at talagang tahimik na ang Sulu at malaki ang potensyal ng Sulu. Yun mga beaches at resorts natin eh talagang world class, powdery, white sands at very hospitable ang mga Tausug.” 

“Marami kaming plano sa ngayon to promote Sulu sa buong mundo and lahat ng ito ay dahil sa pagsisikap ng mga stakeholders. Maraming turista ang nagpupunta ngayon sa Sulu and we are very happy. We have to sustain our tourism programs and eventually it will benefit us all," Tan told the Mindanao Examiner in a phone interview from his office in Sulu. 

The province is known for its pristine beaches and beautiful coastlines, and white, powdery sands and crystal-clear blue waters. Today, dozens of resorts sprouted like mushrooms offering world-class accommodation and sumptuous food to local visitors and foreign tourists. Snorkeling and skin diving are also popular in the province.

Frasco said as one of the megadiverse countries in the world, the Philippines is home to more than 500 species of corals and 2,000 species of fish. "Therefore, this distinction for the Philippines we take to heart with a firm commitment to ensure not just the marketability, but more importantly, the sustainability of our dive industry,” she said, noting that in 2023, dive tourism contributed more than P73 billion to the country’s economy, or almost twice the P37 billion revenue generated from the industry in 2022. 

“United under the guidance and visionary leadership of our President, we can look forward to yielding additional revenue from this industry, reinforcing the Philippine position as the World’s Premier Dive Destination and tourism’s role, as now one of the strongest pillars of our economy, providing livelihood and employment for millions of Filipinos,” she said.

Fully cognizant of the prospects of dive tourism, the DOT has proactively led interventions to further develop and promote the sector. The DOT introduced various dive festivals and programs in several regions across the country in support of dive tourism, including the successful inaugural Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue last September in Cebu. 

Furthermore, to prioritize a safe and enjoyable experience for divers, the DOT through its Dive Committee and infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, has committed to providing additional hyperbaric chambers in strategic locations across the country, including Boracay Island, Camiguin, Daanbantayan in Cebu, Dumaguete, and Puerto Galera. (Mindanao Examiner)