Tuesday, October 02, 2007 Exclude city from travel advisories, Laviña urges By Grace L. Plata
DAVAO City Councilor Peter Laviña is set to propose a resolution in Tuesday's session urging foreign governments to exclude Davao City from travel advisories against traveling in some parts of Southern Philippines.
Laviña said with the common practice of various foreign governments in issuing travel advisories against traveling to reported troubled spots to forewarn and protect their citizens, these advisories generally identify the whole of southern Philippines or Mindanao for reported threats of terrorism such as bombings or violent attacks.
Laviña added that such travel advisories reinforces a misconception about the image of the city and the safety of its citizens and visitors, and causes a negative impact on its drive to attract investments, trade and tourism.
"Davao City is generally neither a troubled spot nor a specific target of terrorism or violent attacks; it is one of the most peaceful areas in the country, thus, home to more than 5,000 foreign residents; it has one of the lowest crime rates, and has an outstanding police force," Lavina said.
He added that the officialdom of the City Government would be the first to forewarn its citizens and visitors if such threats of terrorism really exist. Thus, there is a need for foreign governments to be specific in these travel advisories and exclude Davao City if substantially not listed as a specific target.
Foreign governments specifically cited in the proposed resolution are of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan and the European Union.
