(EASTERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY – As Eastern Samar continues to promote itself as one of Eastern Visayas’ emerging ecotourism destinations, 50 police officers are undergoing specialized training to strengthen security and improve public safety services for both local and foreign visitors.
The four-day Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) seminar, which began on July 7 at the Governor’s Conference Hall in Borongan City, is designed to equip personnel of the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPPO) with the skills needed to respond effectively to the safety and security concerns of tourists.
The training forms part of the Philippine National Police’s continuing efforts to develop a professional corps of tourist-oriented police officers capable of ensuring a safe, secure, and visitor-friendly environment in key tourism destinations.
Police Capt. Amie Centro-Tiu, chief of the Tourist Security and Protection Section of the PNP Public Safety Division, opened the seminar with an overview of the TOPCOP program, highlighting the responsibilities of tourist police officers and the fundamental principles of tourist safety and security.
Officials from the regional office of the Department of Tourism (DOT) also provided participants with a broader understanding of the country’s tourism industry and the role of law enforcement in sustaining its growth.
Rodel Balierbare, supervising tourism operations officer of DOT-8, discussed the agency’s mandate under Republic Act No. 9593, or the Tourism Act of 2009, and explained the functions of its attached agencies in promoting and regulating the tourism sector.
Provincial Tourism Officer Neil Alejandro Pinarok briefed the participants on Eastern Samar’s diverse tourism products and destinations, including its renowned surfing sites, caves, waterfalls, islands, and marine attractions, which continue to attract increasing numbers of domestic and international travelers.
Meanwhile, DOT-8 consultant and FBSE regional trainer Antonio Cinco Jr. lectured on the province’s history, culture, and traditions, as well as tourist behavior and market profiles, enabling participants to better understand visitors’ expectations and deliver more responsive public safety services.
Authorities said the seminar reflects the government’s recognition that maintaining peace and order is essential to sustaining tourism growth, particularly as Eastern Samar positions itself as a premier nature and adventure tourism destination in Eastern Visayas.
The participating police officers are expected to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the training in safeguarding tourist sites, assisting visitors, and strengthening the province’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
