Turn around Mindanao's image as RP's 'Wild West' - Gordon

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon has asked Mindanao executives to turn around Mindanao's negative image from being the "Wild West of the Philippines " into a premier tourist destination with its unique history and culture.

In a meeting with officials of the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region 12 and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Gordon said with good governance, Mindanao 's poor image would soon be a thing of the past.

"There is no governance in area. Schools are decrepit; roads are bad; farm-to-market roads are non-existent and there is no focus on helping them solving their problem, or empowering them so they can conquer their own selves," he said.

"It is a question of assertion on the part of the regional government to make it a point to put their resources, energy and focus to promote genuine change, continuity and closure to the perennial problems in Mindanao," he added.

Mindanao has gained a negative reputation in the international media as the country's "Wild, Wild West" due to the continued spate of kidnappings, sporadic bombings, and the poor peace and order situation.

Gordon, chairman of the Senate tourism committee, also pointed out that the people of Mindanao should not wait for the national government, which is thousands of miles away, to take the initial steps towards lasting peace and development of Mindanao .

"You should define what Mindanao is and assert yourselves as a people. Manila is never going to solve it for us. It is never going to be a solution. Mindanao should be self-sufficient," he said.

Gordon, who played a vital role in the phenomenal rise of Subic from the ashes left behind by the Americans, encouraged the leaders of Mindanao to develop its natural attractions to lure tourists, which would generate income for the region.

"Use the weakness into a powerful tool to make things go around. Showcase the natural attractions and develop them into tourist attractions and encourage foreign investment," he said.

"Mindanao has a lot to offer like the beautiful beaches in Saranggani. Encourage more tourists to visit Mindanao instead of other places. Mindanao has got to be shown out there," he added.