Push tourist code

February 5, 2018 Ikit ng Bayan Opinion

We have heard, read and seen information on tourists who got lost, irresponsible cooking that burned one part of a mountain recently, a tourist who complains on product and hotels over-pricing and traffic, a resident who embark on strict implementation on entrance of a certain tourist spot, garbage and parking fee.

The City of Pines has its Revised Tourism Code of Baguio City since June of 2009 while in La Trinidad, Councilor Guiller Galwan of the Committee on Tourism with Tourism Officer Valdred Olsim who conducted a public forum for Tourism Code said that this will be a bigger step towards improving La Trinidad Tourism.

Benguet Board Member Robert Namoro, Committee on Tourism, said that as of the moment his committee gathers all inputs from the 13 municipalities of Benguet to observe each culture, tradition and practices that they may apply on drafting the said ordinance; favourable to both tourist, province of Benguet and its residence.

Governor Crescencio Pacalso said that not only Tourism Code in Benguet is important but also Environmental Code, for these things shall guide people to be mindful.

Baguio and Benguet is fast approaching the peak season of summer that actually starts as early as February to April. Right now, a lot of tourists from different places inquire about and reserve their slots to go mountain hiking, camping, and trekking. Is it high time for each municipality to set a standard tourism code aligned with DOT-TA? Are we ready for such change iKit? Well, that answer is up to you.

Philippine Republic Act No. 9593 otherwise known as Tourism Act of 2009 ensure the development of Philippine tourism, recognize sustainable tourism development, promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and ethically and socially equitable for local communities, creating a favourable image of the Philippines as Prime Tourist Hub in Asia.

Lawmakers keep on revising and amending ordinances because sometimes there are old laws that are no longer applicable to the practices of this generation. The 10 Commandments in Old Testament of the Bible is actually a law where most of our lawmakers rely unto. It is actually a guide for us from the Lord Jesus Christ.  In the New Testament John 13:34 “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Love is the answer I shall say, for it covers every mistake a person does. Pag binato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay. Kill them with kindness and meekness iKit for surely God will be your strength and weapon. This is yours truly Tita Ara Katter of 98.7 ZRadio FM with CP no. 0910-1484-600 who always reminds you “Ti panagkaykaysa, mangiwanwan iti naranyag nga pagsayaatan.”