DOT-7 launches Child Wise Tourism

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Tourism in Central Visayas yesterday launched a program that seeks to stop “child sex tourism”.The launching of the Child Wise Tourism Program in Panglao Island, Bohol was attended by a DOT official from Manila.

DOT-7 director Rowena Montecillo said that the program is aimed at stopping sex trafficking of minors.

“Tumong ug tuyo sa maong programa mao nga mahunong na ang nagpanamastamas sa atong mga kabataan, kinsa maoy gitawag mga the nation’s treasures,” said Montecillo.

DOT national director Rica Bueno, who represented tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., said that the program needs the cooperation and support of the parents who has the duty to protect their children.

Bueno said that parents should ensure that their children will not fall into the hands of pedophiles and other dangerous situation.

The program involves the conduct of training workshops to gain the commitment of stakeholders and to prevent exploitation of children.

“DOT is committed in pursuing this program and will continue to intensify and strengthen our effort to prevent such child exploitation,” said Montecillo.

The launching of the program was highlighted by the signing of a covenant among tourism stakeholders who pledged their commitment for the protection of children in tourism.

The covenant aims to promote the protection of children in the industry and in the community; be vigilant in situations where children may be at risk of exploitation; raise awareness of the general public on issues affecting the lives and welfare of children, among others.

Jimenez, in a statement, said that DOT is taking the initiative to recognize that most cases of child exploitation such as trafficking, prostitution and pornography are within areas that are accessible to tourists.

“It is our social responsibility to engage all agencies concerned and the communities affected to prevent these crimes,” he said.

Jimenez added that with the rise of tourism arrivals also comes a heightened sense of protection of our natural resources, which they are doing the same for the protection of the most vulnerable members of our society, the children.

Among the stakeholders in yesterday’s launching were the officials of Bohol, Philippine National Police, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Department of Social Welfare and Development.(FREEMAN)