Philippines becoming a tourist hot spot.

Source: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/9987/tourists-staying-longer-in-philippines-says-immigration-bureau


                         We all are aware of the negative things that other countries are hearing in regards to our country. I know that there are a lot of events that are not in the government's or even the citizens' control that have been happening here. News of natural disasters, frequent floods, summary killings, robberies, and so much more of the like. A lot of foreigners are becoming discouraged to have a visit or even take a vacation here because of all the things that they've been hearing. Is it really fair to judge immediately? They've only been hearing the down side of our country, they have much more yet to know that could change their minds.


                        After hearing the news of the increase in number of tourists wanting to stay in the Philippines, i felt a surge of happiness and contentment, a lot of people still don't base their judgments on the negative news they've been hearing about our country. During the time, which was just recently, where a hostage taking of a Chinese tourist bus took place where embarrassingly enough, was done by our own senior inspector for the shallow reason of wanting to be reinstated, i seriously had misgivings with the Philippines' number of foreign tourists/vacationers in the future. I mean, not to be insulting or anything, but I know that a lot of Filipinos are sharing the same sentiments as me. Think about it, Chinese people or foreign people were the victims in the hostage taking, by a police officer of all people, a law enforcer of our own country. If I were the foreigner who heard about this news, surely I would also feel uncertain towards visiting the Philippines.


                       Though I felt quite embarrassed and sad with the happenings here in our country, I am of course still hoping that tourists would see that past the negative side, our country still has a lot more potential. I'm happy that the things I've been hoping for, are practically coming true. There has been an increase in number of foreign visitors, not only that, a lot of them are also wanting to extend the number of days of their visits here. Proof that they are probably enjoying the places and their stay here, therefore deciding that it would be worth the extension in number of days of visit. It is pleasure-filling to know that tourists feel comfortable enough to stay among us Filipinos despite the things and stories that are pulling our country downward, they don't become all paranoid and judgmental by deciding not to visit at all or doing their best to avoid coming to our country at all costs. I hope that by doing so, they see how beautiful are country really is and encourage other people from different countries to come and visit.



                      The increase in tourists in our country not only helps in building up our reputation, but it also helps in our country's economy in more ways than one. The amount they pay for visiting, the places they would be staying in, the places they decide to visit, and even the food they eat contribute to the total earnings of our country considering how long the tourists stay here. There are even some who set up their businesses here, and so they stay for a long of period of time, or even decide to live here permanently, that is also a great help to our country and economy. I then feel grateful when I see new stores or businesses by foreigners opening up here because I somehow feel that these people are growing at ease towards us Filipinos and living in our country, that they entrust and encourage us to also have an appreciation for the things they are open to sharing to us by means of the products they sell and businesses they offer. Isn't that just another something to be proud of as a Filipino citizen?


                      News of the increase in tourists and their decisions of extending their visits is certainly good to hear for us citizens. I know the government and a lot of Filipinos in different areas of the country are doing their best to attract more visitors because in doing so, a lot of good is brought upon us. I'm hoping that through the years, the number of foreign people will still grow more in number because it's also for the betterment of us citizens and the place we are living in. I'm hoping that even though I'm still a student, I could find ways to attract tourists towards the Philippines by way doing small things to promote the beauty of our country.

Summary Killings--Davao City

SOURCES: 

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090330-196883/CHR-probes-800-kills-by-Davao-death-squad

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2011/06/10/immediate-action-vs-summary-killings-davao-sought-160332

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100712-280571/Statistics-not-enough-to-punish-Davao-City-cops 

                  News of the summary killings happening here in Davao City has increased massively as each year goes by. People have to be blind not to notice almost everyday news of numerous deaths/killings that has been happening more often than normal. Our place has been branded by other countries as a cowardly nation because of these killings, but can we blame them for thinking that? It seems that though there are a lot of people who are aware or has sufficient knowledge about these killings, are too afraid of what could happen if they try to speak out and let justice succeed. How about the loved ones who care most for the victims? Do the people who are witnesses not think how unfair it is for those who are left behind to be blinded with what really happened to the ones who died? Why do these killings happen in the first place? Could we, normal, ordinary people do something about this?

                   I, as a student, I'm not blinded with these killings that are happening in the actual place I have been living in. Everyday in the television, radios, news papers, or any media material, news of these killings are announced to notify the public all over. Large, numerous posters about it are even plastered all over our school--who could miss it? But seriously, can we students really do something about this? Often I have noticed that the poor victims to these killings are the ones who are not financially well off, simply said, the POOR. Poor citizens who are stepped on by the ones with higher social statuses. Poor citizens who don't have enough money for lawyers and such. Poor citizens whose cases are forgotten for the rich managed to pay the authorities to keep quiet. Am I correct? Where's the justice in that? No wonder these killings are happening often for people are often blinded with the power of money. Not only are these happening to the adults, but most cases are often young adults or teenagers! Clearly seen, even the young ones nowadays are aware with what they can do if they have the money--was this how their young minds educated to do with the money they possess? Will this forever go on? 

                     Yes, I'm affected with what's happening and I know that there are a lot more like me who are worried and sympathizes with the poor victims of these killings. But I know that as of know, I seriously can't do much. I pray for the souls that they'd rest in peace and I pray that justice will somehow prevail. It just feels so unfair that a lot of people get away with the ruthless things they do, making them confident that they can do it again just because they have the power and the money. Have they no conscience? I'm hoping that the authorities will do their parts and be fair with these cases. I feel bad and embarrassed for the reputation that Davao City is gaining because of the numerous cases of killings that haven't been solved and the cases that have been kept quiet about. The authorities were put in authority for a cause, they should be doing their jobs and live up to the expectations of the citizens that they should always, ALWAYS be fair.

                  I'm forever hoping that with the attention the public's finally giving to these summary killings, that the cases would slowly decrease. I wish that people would be more serious about this and try to do even small things for the prevention of more killings to be committed. This is already pretty serious, I hope that somehow the people responsible and guilty of these deaths that are occurring would realize that killing human beings will never be the right solution for anything.