LANAO del Norte is conducting a series of activities that would entice visitors to visit the province.

Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo said the tourism industry in Lanao del Norte was badly affected by the August 2008 attacks of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in civilian communities that resulted in the death of several people.

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The governor said they wanted the public to forget that fateful event, thus they plan to invite celebrities every month to perform in their world-class sports complex, the Mindanao Civic Center, to show that Lanao del Norte is already peaceful.

Dimaporo said that last month they invited the Cueshe band. On July 1, actor Cesar Montano and his entire Singing Bee staff along with wife Sunshine Cruz and singer Geneva Cruz partied with the people of Lanao del Norte. On Friday night, July 3, Bamboo will also perform courtesy of the Provincial Government.

The Provincial Government also invited top national motorcycle riders to join a motocross competition.

Dimaporo said they want Lanao del Norte to generate news of peace instead of the usual news about armed encounters and rebel attacks.

"Ngayon ang makikita at maririnig from Lanao del Norte ay yung mga rebeldeng nagsusurender. My family is ashamed of what they (rebels) have done, that is why we called on all our mayors to support the military, kaya the rebels are transferring to Lanao del Sur," Dimaporo said.

On July 4, the Provincial Government will give cash incentives, livelihood projects, and skills training to hundreds of former rebels who opted to go back to the society. (Ben O. Tesiorna)