Diplomats, tourism officials should contain Campbell's slay fallout
Suggests to name a public school in Bicol after angel who walked on earth

Manila should scramble its diplomatic and tourism officials across the globe to contain any fallout the highly publicized murder of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell may have caused.

We should project the image that our country is a safe haven for tourists, Recto said.

Some damage control must be done because the incident happened with the Eight Wonder of the World as backdrop, Recto said, referring to the ancient man-made rice terraces which draws tourists from all parts of the globe.

The senator said that on the shoulders of those in the tourism department and the national police to prove to tourists that the incident is an "isolated" case.

"Our diplomatic and tourism officials should also work feverishly in assuring the communities in their respective missions that the unfortunate incident was not the handiwork of a gentle people who built the magnificent stairway to heaven," Recto said.

Despite the Campbell incident, the legislator reiterated that "the Philippines is still a safe place and there is no reason for tourists to stop coming here," he added.

"The fact is, Banaue at night is still safer than Bronx at noon. In this most pro-American country in Asia, we dont hunt Americans, we hug them," Recto said.

"Besides if the Virginia Tech killings, where 33 people died is referred to as an isolated case, why can't this be regarded as one too?" Recto lamented.

The legislator then called on the nation and particularly the people Campbell has helped to remember the life lived by the fallen volunteer here for other people.

"Julia Campbell lived her life for others. She could have opted to be behind a desk in an air-conditioned office in New York but she chose to be here, to help the needy. " Recto said.

The senator also called for the nation to follow Campbell 's lead.

"A little concern for other people's welfare can go a long way," he said.

The senator also suggested to name a public school in Albay after Campbell, in honor of the slain educator.

Campbell taught at the Divine Word College in Legaspi City, Albay.

Recto recalled that the P1.126 trillion national budget allocates P10 billion under the Calamity Assistance and Relief Effort or CARE funds for the relief and rehabilitation of Bicol.

As we rebuild Albay, let us memorialize Julia's good deeds by naming a public school in that province after this angel who walked on earth and worked with us," he ended.