Efforts are underway to strengthen communications aimed at projecting Mindanao as a safe and viable place for tourists and investors alike, a top official of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said. MinDA's "Communication For Development" approach aims to convey the gains of peace and the enhancement of Mindanao's productivity, in partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. One way to communicate Mindanao's potentials, according to MinDA Secretary Maria Belen Acosta, is by adapting a cross-platform media strategy containing messages directed at a broader audience - tourists, investors, the security sector, and the public 'The easiest one is to beef up the social media, and we use several platforms, including the area offices in different parts of Mindanao. Social media is a potent force, we give substantial information [as a whole],' Acosta said in a press briefing Monday afternoon. 'We want to make sure that the development of Mindanao is integrated, harmonized, and that no one is left behind.' Peaceful Mindanao Acosta said Mindanao has shifted from a place of concern to a place of safety and is ready for investment. A study conducted by MinDA in 2022 showed that people are satisfied with the overall police performance based on trust 91 percent, respect (90%), safety (88%), and satisfaction (90%). 'We are hitting the upper 80 to 90 [percentage] of this trust service and security indices which is a good indicator,' she said. She said the survey was conducted to measure the improvement in the level of confidence of both the public and visitor on their overall safety, reflecting the prevailing peace and order resulting from years of government initiatives. 'In general, Mindanao now enjoys a general atmosphere of peace and order, in effect, its people enjoy the benefits of safe and secure communities resulting from trustworthy police services across regional offices,' Acosta added. The survey further indicates that the safest provinces consisted of those that were once considered 'areas of concern' such as Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Basilan. (
Source: Philippines News Agency
