PEACE AND ORDER ISSUES: ITS IMPACT TO THE TOURISTS IN LAKE SEBU, SOUTH COTABATO

ROWENA A. ARTILLO

A Thesis Outline Submitted to the Department of Tourism Management, College of Human Ecology and Food Sciences, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN TOURISM MANAGEMENT

MARCH 201

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study The Philippines is considered one of the most amazing and fascinating tourist destinations of the world due to its wide range of varied charms which enthralls the tourists from all over the world. Philippines offer a wide array of entertainment to cast a spell on its visitors with its beautiful scenic islands, exotic beaches, amazing volcanoes, world-class diving spots and unique wildlife and many other attractions. Every year, nature lovers, romantic couples and adventure seekers from different parts of the world visit their favorite destination in Philippines. Tourism is an industry with considerable environmental and social impacts. In order to stimulate reduction of these impacts, voluntary recognition schemes i.e. ecolabels and certification programmer have been introduced to motivate tourism businesses to improve their environmental performance, encourage more sustainable practices and patterns in this branch of economy, provide information to tourism customers conscious concerning the environment. (Filimonau, 2005) The contribution of the same industry to the world economy is considerable. Many countries are now dependent on this sector for foreign

currency earnings. Every destination country is trying to achieve more gain by developing this industry. Peace and order is an essential ingredient to maintaining economic development, social order and political stability. A condition of peace and order facilitates the growth of investments, generates more employment opportunities and attracts more tourists (peace and order, 2004). Almost all the people seem to agree the proposition that peace is an essential precondition travel and tourism and all aspects of human growth and development (Satani, 2004). Tourists are generally sensitive to events of war, terrorism and political violence because such events jeopardize a relaxed and unconcerned holiday. They avoid visiting places with a negative image and easily switch to another destination when they find there is no peace in their destination. Tourism is a very fragile industry which requires peace and tranquility in order to exist and flourish. The current situation of tourism shows that it is important for all the actors of tourism to promote tourism in a sustainable way not only for the noble aim of genuine love for humanity or symbiosis of human beings and nature, but also for their pleasure and sustainable business profits. Lake Sebu is a 2nd class municipality in the province of South Cotabato, Philippines, the summer and the eco-Cultural Center of South Cotabato. Lake Sebu is blessed with marvelous natural scenic spots and wildlife resources with unique cultural communities, and is the major producer of tilapia, forest product (bamboo, rattan) and abaca handicraft renowned as T'nalak. It is a reflection of the unique cultural identity and ethnicity of the province. It is further shown off

during its Helobung Festival that showcases the different arts, culture, sports and other tribal activities of the T'bolis. It is a wonderful tourist destination as thousands of visitors here and abroad considered it a must-see paradise because of its cool weather, its one-of-a-kind resorts, visiting its Lakes, waterfalls and natural sceneries. Perhaps the tourist wants to know other related information of his/her visit to make the same safe, secured and enjoyable. As a result, dissemination of information on travel and tourism-related peace and order are highly important. (Jakir, 2006) Furthermore, in a local perspective, the researcher wanted to know the impact of peace and order situations of Lake Sebu to the local and international tourists. Thus, this study was conceived and will be conducted.

Objectives of the Study The general objective of the study will determine the impact of peace and order issues to the tourists in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Specifically this study aims to: 1. determine the demographic profile of the respondents; 2. determine the impact of peace and order to the tourists; 3. evaluate the level of peace and order in Lake Sebu;

Significance of the Study The results and findings of the study will be significant to the local government unit of Lake Sebu, Lake Sebu Local Tourism office and allied

agencies on their policy making on peace and order in Lake Sebu,South Cotabato. Furthermore, results could also be beneficial to some researches who will conduct a similar study in the future. Findings could also be beneficial to managers, business owners and investors as their bases for putting up or expanding their investments in Lake Sebu.

Scope and Limitation of the Study This study will focus on the peace and order issues in Lake Sebu,South Cotabato particularly in the three resorts in the area: Merl Garden resort and Punta Isla Lake resort and how these issues affect the tourists.

Expected Output This study expects to achieve the following output: 1. to determine the demographic profile of the respondents; 2. to determine the impact of peace and order to the tourists; 3. to evaluate the level of peace and order in Lake Sebu ;

Place and Time of the Study This study will be conducted in the municipality of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines within the months of July 2011 to November 2011.

Operational Definition of Terms For a clearer understanding of tihe study, the following key terms are defined operationally: Accommodation places refer to the two resorts chosen as place of the study at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Impact means the status of the tourism industry of Lake Sebu due to the peace and order issues in the area, based on the number of tourists visiting the place and the level of satisfaction of the tourists. Influx means the flowing in or arrival of large number of tourists in the area. Peace and order refers to the society or the relationship that is operating harmoniously and without violent conflict at Lake Sebu ang generally, the entire province of South Cotabato. Peace and Order issues pertain to the concerns of the Local Government Unit and residents of Lake Sebu as to peace and order. Satisfaction refers to the contentment, convenience and the feeling of free from harm of the tourists before, during and after their stay at the resorts at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Tourist refers to the person visiting Lake Sebu specifically the resorts in the municipality for travel and pleasure.