May 26, 2001, The Philippine Star, Current events disastrous for tourist industry, by Alejandro R. Roces,

May 26, 2001, The Philippine Star, Current events disastrous for tourist industry, by Alejandro R. Roces,

The industry most affected by current national events is probably the tourist industry. There is no doubt that our archipelago has all the ingredients of a paradise. But the Abu Sayyaf problem has virtually turned parts of Mindanao to a no-man's land. And now even resorts like the Pearl Farm off Davao City are not safe.

The situation in Metro Manila is not much better as far as attracting tourists are concerned. Manila used to be known as the Pearl of the Orient. Today, it is notorious for its uncollected garbage. The truth is that under the present situation, we should not even embark on programs to attract tourists. They will just come then leave with a negative impression of our country and people. Worst, they will be discouraging other tourists to make the same mistake they did. Even balikbayans who plan to visit their homeland should be told that it would be better if they wait for our local situation to improve.

The last May 1st demonstration is an image of Manila that will be difficult to erase. The fact that it is being shown over and over again in television here and abroad is an aggravating circumstance. The traffic problem is also something that will have to be resolved.

The May 1st message was very clear. The nation's main task is to fight poverty. There can be no real peace until the poverty problem has been, first, alleviated, second, minimized, and ultimately abolished. This is something that cannot be done overnight. The truth is that poverty is on the increase. We have one of the largest population growths in the whole world. At the same time, we have one of the slowest economic growths in Asia. Before martial law, we ranked next to Japan economically. After two decades of dictatorship, we became next to Bangladesh in poverty. Our problem today is really, first, to have a system of population control;second, to create industries that will provide more jobs for more people.

Tourism can be one of our dollar-earning industries. But first we must restore peace and order. Second, we must make our cities and resorts clean and attractive to tourists. Tourism is the very first indication on how ready the country is for foreign investors. If you cannot attract tourists to visit the country, you will not be able to get foreigners to invest in the country.