Lanao del Sur Eyes Cultural Initiatives to Boost Tourism

The provincial government plans to develop Lanao del Sur as a center of culture and arts by promoting the Meranao culture as its primary tourism product.

Ahmad Nour-al-dinn Tamano Jr., provincial tourism officer, said the three-year tourism development plan of the provincial government focuses on key niches that includes the rehabilitation and improvement of cultural heritage sites and complement the implementation of Go Negosyo Centers that will showcase Meranao handicrafts, arts and delicacies.

“We have a rich culture that can attract more tourists and contribute to the economic development of the province,” he said.

Last month, the Tourism Department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) announced that Lanao del Sur attracted 69,606 visitors in 2016, up by 14 percent from the 61,058 visitors registered in 2015, which resulted to P1.2 billion total tourism receipts.

Aside from cultural tourism, the provincial government will also push for the implementation of Lanao Lake Development Authority, development of ecology parks complete with tourist-related facilities, and construction of access roads to all potential tourist spots.

Tamano said they will need the cooperation and support of municipal governments in the Lanao del Sur to achieve their plan in boosting the tourism industry in the province.

He requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Bayan, and the Marawi City Council to pass legislations supporting the provincial tourism development plan.

Tamano also proposed ordinances to regulate the development of Lake Lanao and Agus River, to require the transport sector to undergo basic tourism education, to prohibit the destruction of historical buildings and infrastructures, and to preserve and maintain Plaza Rizal in Marawi City, among others. (APB/PIA-10)