MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--To finally witness a rising tourism industry, the province of Lanao del Sur has expressed its sincerest motive to pour support in addressing the concerns linked with the transportation sector. 

Lanao del Sur Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (PTCAO) Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Prince Shoudery Galo stressed that although they are still in the infancy stage and striving to step to another level, they are determined to heed the calls of concerned groups, such as in the transport aspect, seeing that the tourism dwells with various fields.  

Part of their efforts was meeting with stakeholders involved in the value chain to directly assess the situation on the ground and come up with strategic plans and solutions to address matters. 

“Hindi lang ang turismo ang naapektuhan dito kung hindi maging ang ibang sectors (Tourism is not the only one affected but also other sectors), and even the local citizens. We hope this will be addressed. Kasama ninyo kami (We are with you), the provincial government, in addressing such,” said Galo. 

Lanao del Sur PTCAO Tourism Operations Officer Yusoph Saaban earlier emphasized the essence of tourism in this province, which continuously aims for its overall advancement. 

“Tourism provides both direct and indirect economic benefits. It helps achieve environmental objectives kasi nakakatulong ito na mapansin ng mga turista ang mga environmental problems na kailangan iaddress (because it helps the tourists notice the environmental problems needed to be addressed). It also generates social and cultural benefits,” he said.

Lanao del Sur PTCAO Provincial Tourism Officer Ahmad Nouraldinn Tamano Jr. affirmed this, stating that the industry has brought positive progress, especially in the local economy.

As reported, the province recently logged an estimated P17 billion for its gross receipt. 

With this, Tamano stirred the official recognition of their progressing tourism industry.

“Ang tourism sa Lanao del Sur ay important… Gawan natin ng paraan na maging formal ang ating tourism sa province (The tourism in Lanao del Sur is important. Let us make ways that the tourism of the province becomes formal) by meeting the sectoral value chains,” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)