DAVAO CITY — The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) released a statement over the weekend to dispel fears, uncertainties, and doubts about traveling to many parts of Mindanao.
Reacting to a travel advisory issued by the Canadian government last Jan. 10 that told its citizens to avoid visiting a number of places in Mindanao, the DCCCII emphasized how crucial it is to differentiate travel advisories from the security of commercial activities.
“The people of Mindanao are known for their peaceful nature, experiencing their culture, interacting with locals, and immersing oneself in the environment can transform initial and perceived negative impressions into positive ones,” the group said.
While Davao City was not included in Canada’s travel advisory, the DCCCII said Mindanao boasts of thriving ICT and service industries, significantly improved infrastructure, and ongoing projects to further enhance connectivity.
“Numerous major agricultural companies engaged in export, operate successfully in challenging areas,” the group added.
The Canadian government had advised tourists not to travel to the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM); Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao; Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat in Soccsksargen; and Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay in Zamboanga Peninsula.
The advisory also urged tourists to avoid non-essential travel to Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte excluding Siargao Island and Surigao del Sur in Caraga Region. — Maya M. Padillo
