THE CONSUL General of Japan in Davao City has pushed to downgrade the travel advisory for Davao Region to cushion the negative impact on local tourism and business.
Hon. Ishikawa Yoshihisa led the National Day Reception and 64th Birthday celebration of the Japanese Emperor held at SMX Center in Lanang on Feb. 15. He said that Japan has imposed a strict travel advisory on its citizens against visiting Mindanao.
However, through his efforts, Japan has downgraded the warning on Davao Region to Level 2, meaning Japanese citizens should exercise caution when traveling to the area. It means travelers should refrain from going to Southern Mindanao if the purpose is non-urgent or non-essential.
He emphasized that one of his primary focuses as the consul general is the peace process in Mindanao.
He added that Japan will remain deeply committed to the peace and development in Mindanao.
“If we succeed in amending the travel advisory, many Japanese companies, investors, tourists, and students will surely come to Mindanao, especially Davao,” Yoshihisa said.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) chief, praised the consul general for his efforts.
He also assured the safety of all foreign visitors within the areas of his jurisdiction, specifically in the Davao Region, which he described as “insurgency-free.”
“The command’s collaboration with the Japanese government through the consul general will persist, ensuring essential security for the people in the area and the travelers.
“Davao region’s peaceful environment, backed by its insurgency-free status merits the level 2 travel advisory downgrade to our region. Rest assured that maintaining the peace and security in Eastern Mindanao remains our utmost priority,” Almerol said.
