PH gov't wants to 'fully open up' Mindanao tourism

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei—The Philippine government is keen on fully opening up the tourism sector in Mindanao, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said on Wednesday.

Frasco told the Philippine media delegation here that the DOT has an agreement with the Megaworld Corporation for the latter to convert its tourism establishments into Muslim- and Halal-friendly enterprises.

"With this, what we expect is really to be able to tap into this billion dollar industry that is Halal and Muslim-friendly industry. Ang layunin po natin ay, unang-una, fully open up Mindanao tourism which, of course, has the closest relations in terms of Islamic influence to our Muslim brothers and sisters," Frasco said.

(With this, what we expect is really to be able to tap into this billion dollar industry that is Halal and Muslim-friendly industry. Our goal, first and foremost, is to fully open up Mindanao tourism, which, of course, has the closest relations in terms of Islamic influence to our Muslim brothers and sisters.)

"Secondarily, to expand our Muslim-friendly tourism offerings to our country para naman po 'yung other destinations natin ay mag-o-offer nito," she added.

(Secondarily, to expand our Muslim-friendly tourism offerings to our country so our other destinations in the Philippines would be able to offer these.)

The Philippines and Brunei signed a deal which aims to increase tourist arrivals to or through both countries from world tourist-generating markets, and encourage a wider distribution of visitors to the various tourist destinations and attractions in both countries.

The tourism agreement aims to support niche tourism development, especially in the area of Islamic tourism and promotion of Muslim-friendly destinations. 

This landmark agreement was forged between Frasco and Brunei Darussalam Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin.

The signing of the deal was witnessed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as part of the Philippine leader's two-day state visit. — VDV, GMA Integrated News