Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Survey says Dabawenyos now security conscious
By Antonio M. Ajero
AFTER having experienced two devastating terrorist attacks in 2004 and bombarded with news and information about similar horrifying incidents in other parts of Asia and the world, Dabawenyos seem to have become more security-conscious these days.
This is shown in Sun.Star Davao's cellular phone text opinion poll on what Dabawenyos should do to make the city's hosting of the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) successful.
Some 2,000 delegates from the Philippines and 10 other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and some ministerial officials from China, Korea, Japan, and Russia will be attending the ATF.
Asean is composed of the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Miyanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The latest country added to the region is Timor L'este but it has not been formally admitted to the ATF yet.
Of the 100 polled, majority (51) put observing cleanliness as priority in impressing visitors, followed by being hospitable (45) and by always wearing a smile (30).
The fourth most important thing that Dabawenyos should be mindful about, according to those 29 polled, is vigilance against terrorists and all others who are out to create mayhem in the ATF.
* "Be watchful for terrorists and other bad elements out there to disrupt Davao's peaceful and orderly countenance," said Davao City Councilor Pilar C. Braga.
* "Be a big brother and sister to our ATF guests; be supportive and caring," she added.
* "Be watchful always. Report immediately to authorities any person and activity that may result to chaos or panic," said Ethel Cantor Constantino, government TV host.
* "For me, first things first. Fully cooperate with the mayor's safety and security measures. Unusual and doubtful moves of a group of people should be reported to the authorities immediately," Jojie of Lapanday said.
* "We should be vigilant and have presence of mind. Report anything suspicious," said Leah Sanga of Philippine Airlines.
* "Be alert for any unattended packages or for anything suspicious. Safety first and foremost."-- Regional Director Sonia Garcia of the Department of Tourism.
* "By spotting and reporting to authorities any suspected terrorist group,"--Lawyer Domingo Duerme, vice president for Mindanao of Philippine Airlines.
* "Heighten vigilance against terrorists, but open our doors to our guests."--Jun Ledesma, businessman and columnist.
* City Tourism Officer Id Acaylar said, "Be the eyes and ears for security and safety. Report to authorities dubious characters in emergencies."
But he also said, "Smile sincerely especially to foreign guests; be courteous and honest; help those who need help; don't wait to be asked, volunteer; keep Davao clean, don't liter, dispose of waste properly."
No rip-offs, please
Other Dabawenyos put importance to honesty and trustworthiness as good qualities of Filipinos in treating tourists.
* "Let's show the foreigners that we, Dabawenyos, can be trusted with their wallets and their lives," said Dr. Fritz Espedilla, medical practitioner, columnist and broadcaster.
* "Be warm, honest and helpful. Let's not take advantage of these visitors nor rip them off with deals to their disadvantage. Remember our attitudes will reflect back on us when it's our turn to visit their country one day," cautioned Jojie Alcantara, columnist.
* "Don't overprice goods to make quick profit," said businessman and civic leader Norman Jadulang.
"There should be "dressed-up" jeepneys for show," he added.
Law-abiding
* "By being law abiding, observing especially the taken-for-granted laws such those against littering, jaywalking, vandalism, etc.,"--Estrella "Babes" B. Cabebe, CPA and executive of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
* "Pray for the peace and safety of delegates. Always wear warm smile for tourists in malls. Provide assistance to them when they are in need."--Ma. Delia Moran Morados, regional director, Department of Science and Technology.
* "Learn about Davao, Mindanao and the Philippines so you can be informative when there is an inquiry. Keep your immediate surrounding clean. Best of all, smile! After all, Davao is ready for the rest of the world."--Regional Director Sonia Garcia of the Department of Tourism.
* "Act like a real Pinoy-safeguarding the guests, good housekeeping (keep surroundings clean), feed the guests, and let them leave full of pleasant memories that will make them desire to return with at least one friend."--Ben B. Galupar of the City Council of Davao City.
* "Impress the foreigners with courteous behavior and always talk about the positive things about Davao. Tell them that Davao is very peaceful and the only city of the Philippines to have a 911. Avoid talking of violence. Front pages of newspapers should focus on ATF."--Sebastian "Anggie" Angliongto, oustanding civic leader, businessman and past chairman of the Mindanao Economic Development Council.
* "Put on their most friendly smile and be helpful to visitors. Taxi drivers, vendors and others should not take advantage of them."--Gil Abarico, past city press secretary and president and chairman of the board of the Davao Press Foundation, Inc.
* Lawyer Ramon Edison Batacan, television co-anchor and past Davao chapter president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, said the success of ATF in Davao City depends largely on Dabawenyos cooperation and unity towards a common goal, it can be done so long as we believe it can and collectively do what we believe in.
"With good and able leadership, Dabawenyos will soar to greater heights," he said.
* Earliest to submit his suggestions on how Dabawenyos could help make Davao City's hosting of ATF successful was Mayor Roger Antalan of the Island Garden City of Samal. So comprehensive was his list, it was printed in place of his regular column section of Sun.Star Davao last Saturday. He listed a total of do's and don'ts in treating tourists during the AFT and beyond, including being vigilant against potential terror attackers.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (January 17, 2006 issue)
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