34

Chapter IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

I. Cotabato City Profile

Cotabato City under Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim

Mindanao. Although administratively independent due to its distinction as

independent component city, Cotabato City is commonly grouped with the

province of Maguindanao. The city serves as the regional center of

the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The city has a land area of 176.00 square kilometers or 67.95 square

miles. Its population as determined by the 2020 Census was 325,079.

On December 15, 2020, Cotabato City was officially transferred to the

jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim

Mindanao (BARMM), after majority of its residents voted to be included in the

region during the 2019 Bangsamoro autonomy plebiscite.

Cotabato city has a been known as the primary urban center that serve as

the institutional, financial and service center, the center for public health with

the existence of the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center. The city as a

special economic zone is expected to diversify its economic base and will

facilitate the creation of more investments and job opportunities. Hence, the

existence of its tourism industry is crucial to the development of not only the

industry but as well as the lives of its residents.

 35

Cotabato tourism does not only cater on the economic opportunity that it

can bring but also for the propagation of the Cultural diversity, Environmental

Awareness, presentation of Natural Resources, and Physical development.

The participants of the study were chosen according to their affiliation with

the tourism development programs of the Cotabato city. The researcher

assessed the participants’ occupation, department they belong if applicable,

and also their contact information. The researcher also made sure they were

residents of the Cotabato city.

II. Development Programs of the LGU of Cotabato City for the

Development of tourism industry in terms of; Environmental Awareness,

Natural Resources and Cultural Diversity.

To verify the understanding of participants, thematic approach analysis was

incorporated to properly analyze all the transcripts, and three key concepts were

generated along the process. Based on the formulated interview questions the

categories were labeled as Benefits, Challenges, and Suggestions.

Miscellaneous theme is also incorporated to store irrelevant notes of participants

that may unavoidably overlap other existing category due to their interpretation of

the question. The results that are understood in its specific context are presented

and interpreted in the following sections.

 36

A. Environmental Awareness

City Tourism

A participant from the City Tourism, Ms. Norianne Lou S. Fondoza was

invited to participate in the study and provide insight with regard to the Tourism

Development programs of the city of Cotabato. The interview was conducted

following the interview guide formulated by the researcher.

When asked if the LGU has tourism development program in Cotabato city

for the environmental awareness, natural resources and cultural diversity to know

whether there is a pre-existing tourism development program which the city

tourism officer Ms. Fondoza (Interviewed last March 9, 2022) responded with,

“The usual insured that we do regular checking of our eco-tourism destination, for

example, in Timako, we did it in partnership with CENRO to do CLEAN UP

DRIVE, it happened last month, and then the only focus of the city is not much on

eco-tourism destination because we don't have a lot of that and it's more on site

of historical and cultural significance.” She stated that they do have the specific

program on eco-tourism destinations by doing a partnership with CENRO that is

responsible for conducting clean up drives. Furthermore, she stated that the city

does not focus much on eco-tourism destination since it’s not much; instead they

focus on the historical and cultural sites as a more important aspect of their

tourism.

The interview went further to ask a follow up question regarding the nature

of partnership between the City Tourism and CENRO which she replied,
 37

“Typically, the nature of the partnership is focused on joint activities or something

similar, and we collaborate with them as well. Ms. Frondoza ensuring that the

eco-tourism destination is always spotless, and then we have also formed an

alliance with them in terms of appointing key personnel to be in charge of not just

only for the security but the cleanliness of our destination as well. For instance, in

our Cotabato cave, there is a person in charge of keeping the place clean. He is

from CENRO, yes from CENRO, and then he was assigned there and his task

was to maintain the cleanliness.". Ms. Fondoza further supported the involvement

of CENRO in their eco-tourism programs through their partnership which made

the CENRO in charge of the security, and cleanliness of these tourist

destinations.

With regard to the frequency of the CENRO’’s appearance on the

programs whether it is yearly, Ms. Fondoza Interviewed on last March 9, 2022

said, “It is not an annual event because it is already a part of the LGU's normal

operations, so the personnel assigned to CENRO is also an employee of the

local government unit. This is Cotabato cave but for the rest like, we do always

care for Timako when it comes to environmental protection, we have a lot of

partnership raise. We already raise the concerned with our licensing office thru

our city administrator and of course also our City Treasurer and there are so

many business establishments onsite, the first thing we do is ask for their license

or permit, which means someone we can easily approach in terms of

 38

environmental safety. Because, according to our shared goal, there is a program

in CENRO we have solid waste management enshrined in legislation here.”

Ms. Frondoza clarified that CENRO does not work as an event organizer

which only appears annually but is a regular operation since the people in

CENRO are regular employees of the LGU whose job is to ensure that these

destinations are clean and is ready to accommodate guests at all times. She also

added that they have raised these concerns on environmental protection and

also the licensing of the business establishments on site. That enables them to

easily approach these establishments with regard to concerns on environmental

safety and solid waste management which is part of their shared goal with

CENRO.

In terms of the protocol to resolve the thrown garbage into the water that

results to water pollution, the city tourism Ms. Fondoza responds, “Barangay

partnership like what I have said. Actually we are not the main office, CENRO is.

We have the program that only CENRO can manage and then they passed it to

every barangays, what do we call it, we cannot call them campus area but

instead designated areas of the barangay, so that we can throw our garbage

there, and then for the improper flowing of waste in our water bodies, the person

who [will] be caught can pay the penalty. So, those are the things that we knew

regarding environment protection.” According to Ms. Fondoza, the CENRO also

is the main office in environmental protection; they also have the authority to

pass the waste management duties to the barangays since they also are in

partnership with them. She further elaborated that these barangays already have
 39

designated areas for waste disposal and also a pre-existing law addressing these

problems on waste management that has a corresponding punishment that will

hold the doer accountable once they disobey.

There had been preexisting laws to address these violations, one is the

Republic Act no. 9003, also known as the ecological solid waste management of

2000 that ensures the public health and environment. Second is, they also had a

resolution, resolution no. 6404 series of 2018, which states as a resolution

approving and adopting the implementing rules and regulation of the ordinance

no. 4203, series of 2013, otherwise known as an ordinance prohibiting the use,

selling and distribution of non-biodegradable plastic as secondary packaging

material and non-biodegradable Styrofoam as food and beverage containers in

the city of Cotabato, and prescribing the penalties for violation. They also have a

City Ordinance no. 2360, which is their solid waste management code. These

information were provided through documents by the city tourism offices.

The ORDINANCE NO. 2360 SERIES OF 2003 which is a comprehensive

and integrated solid waste management code of cotabato city. Whereas, the

comprehensive and integrated solid waste management system is mandated

program where the national, regional and all local government units down to the

barangays are required to comply with the requirements of Republic Act 9003

and DILG Memorandum circular 2001-19 dated March, 2, 2001. This code shall

apply to all households and all generators of solid waste including institutional

waste of all hospitals, maternity clinics, clinics of medical practitioners, industrial

waste, commercial waste; gasoline stations and groceries and public and private
 40

markets and agricultural waste, consumer electronics waste, in all (37)

barangays of cotabato city.

Further more the ORDINANCE NO. 2360 in section XXI. Any person who

violates section XVII the prohibited acts shall be penalized according to the

prohibited acts that the person commit. To the establishment for the first time

shall be fined not more than five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) and an

imprisonment not more than one (1) year.

The ORDINANCE NO. 4203 series of 2014 an ordinance strictly

prohibiting the use, selling, and distribution of non-biodegradable plastic as

secondary packaging material and non-biodegradable Styrofoam as food and

beverage containers, and prescribing penalties thereof. In section 7 of this

ordinance who violates of any provision of the ordinance shall be meted with

penalties according to capitalization of business/individual.

To go further with the interview, when asked about how they clean the

tourist spot or whether they have a dedicated cleaning program which she

responded, “Actually, CENRO is the only place where it is consumed. We have

no choice except to form a joint venture with them. It is because they are the

ones who has manpower. As you can see, all offices of the Local Government

Unit of Cotabato are operational, therefore, for example, as I previously stated,

we have a designated person who is responsible for tourism destinations, right?

The city tourism office is also a part of the concerned office; we are unable to

remark on the local government entity because we are unaware of its operations.
 41

In LGU, all I can say is if there is an environmental protection program at the

local tourism office, the mayor should make sure there is inter-office coordination.

This is also a component of CENRO, and one of the ways they accomplish it is

through cooperation activities like clean-up and then ensuring that, as I indicated

earlier, one of the part destinations is the Cotabato cave together with the

personnel. That is the most important task, followed by solid waste management,

rubbish disposal in our water bodies, and so on. We have a good waste

management ordinance that imposes penalties on people who are caught.

Ms. Frondoza further saids “This tourist office is also linked to the

advocacy or object.” The city tourism officer, Ms. Fondoza elaborated with regard

to their cleaning program, that they have made a joint venture with CENRO as it

is the only available option they have since they have the manpower. The LGU

have designated departments that are responsible for the conduct of specific

programs, and one of those is the local tourism office which was the one who

have made the collaboration with CENRO to accomplish tasks such as

environmental protection of these tourism destination that encompasses

programs on cleaning, rubbish disposal in the water bodies, waste management

and the likes.

On to the length of their partnership with CENRO, the Ms. Fondoza

responded, “it is been a long and winding road. I am unable to provide a precise

figure. Even before I became a tourist official, I had already established a

partnership. Please stay with me. Because it's CENRO’s newest innovation, so

I'm going to send you a mail when I find out when CENRO was founded. CENRO
 42

used to be a part of GSO, but since the DILG requires it, we now have our own

office environment.” The partnership according to ms. Fondoza have been going

on for a very long time, even before they had their own office environment. Which

was the time the CENRO was part of GSO.

B. Natural Resources

When asked what the natural resources or natural attraction of cotabato

city, on what are those which drew people in, they Ms. Frondoza responded that,

“What exactly do you mean by natural attraction? We've got our Tamotaka River,

we've got our Kutawato Cave, and we've got our Timako Hill. As I have stated,

this is an eco-tourism location because this isn't our main destination. As a

heritage destination, the city of Cotabato offers a package.” Ms. Fondoza, The

city tourism officer, stated that the eco-tourism attractions which drew people into

their city are the Tamotaka River, Kutawato Cave and the Timako Hills.

Regarding which among the aforementioned attractions are most well-

known they said, “Timako Hill is currently the highest point in the area.” She

further highlighted Timako hill which in the most-well-known eco-tourism

attraction in the city.

About what they see that needs to be improved, they said, “When it comes

to eco-tourism, where should you go? Do you mean everyone? All in the city of

Cotabato currently, we are concentrating on our culture and heritage site, which

has a deadline for implementation this year. First and foremost, our entire city
 43

hall must be renovated. We are going to organize it, as well as the area's needs.

That is what I believe. They can't think about it. Isn't that what comes first? Those

who have preceded us the area involved with joining etc. and positioning of a

creation will become larger as the city grows. There's a component and what else

to the rehab of all city halls out there, for the implementation of this project. Also,

we're paying attention to what's going on in Timako right now because the region

contains a lot of commercial establishments, so I don't think there's anything to

be concerned about. As a result of tourism brings business, or as I like to call it,

economic enterprise!

Ms. Frondoza further says “That is why it must be regulated in this

manner. I believe there is more. Our tourism destinations there aren't yet optimal,

therefore. So, what were we doing at the time. Our tourist code is about to expire

this year, so, the tourism code will be used in conjunction with our tourism

development plan, which states that the tourist code will be used to supplement

the city's tourism development plan for the purpose of betterment, and then we

will come up with a name. Ways as well as means for our destination's economic

activity for example, everything in city hall requires minor repairs. No, we haven't

opened it yet. However, when we open it, we can notice the progress, despite the

fact that who will be all individuals who wish to travel to any municipal hall will

have to pay a minimal entrance charge, as would those who want to open a

legitimate business. Those who have a license in their business permission will,

of course, be required to pay in Timako Hill.” Ms. Fondoza said that the eco-

tourism could be improved by renovating the entire city, which also includes the
 44

tourist destinations. She also said that that they already have organized a plan

for this renovation that is scheduled this year. To be specific, the City hall

requires minor renovation while the tourist attractions had to be renovated to

achieve its optimal status. They also have collaborations that will assist in

rehabilitation of the city as they forego with their renovation. She also talked

about Timako Hill which has a lot of business establishments which opens up a

lot of job opportunities as well. She also said that once this will be done, they are

going to require payment for entrance to these tourist destinations and also

payment for the business enterprises in the area.

The researcher also asked, which were the lesser-known natural tourism

attractions in present in Cotabato City which the participant replied,” Yes, I mean,

we are well-known, but natural attraction seems to be non-existent. We don't

appear to be short on destinations to promote. I hope we don't want river

smashes like that once we finish the tourism code.”

C. Cultural Diversity

1) City Tourism

With regards to the Cultural diversity, what were the programs of the city?

Ms. Frondoza replied with, “We're almost done with the cultural mapping, this is

like a heritage or resourcefulness partner with the national commission and

culture in art, where the cultural and heritage research found here in Cotabato

City is located, and then I indicated the restoration of the city hall, and then what
 45

else. We also placed a LAND MARK throughout City Hall, which we claim is the

NATIONAL QUINTESSENTIAL land mark from the times of Ferdinand Magellan

500 years ago.” According to Ms. Fondoza, the Cultural diversity mapping with

the national commission in culture in art located in Cotabato city which is almost

done and also the restoration of the city hall, are the cultural programs that they

have at hand in the city tourism She also emphasized the city hall is the National

Quintessential landmark from the times of Magellan that is one of the cultural

heritage found in the city, that is why they do programs specific for the

preservation of the said landmark.

When asked what are the most popular cultural attractions in Cotabato city

according to the city tourism,” Most popular, it may be despite the fact that it is a

holy place. We can consider the Grand Mosque because it is also a part of the

city's culture, and it continues to be the main attraction.” The most sought after

tourism attraction according to Ms. Fondoza is their Grand Mosque as it is not

only part of the religious beliefs, but also represents the City’s culture.

The researcher asked about the Tamontaka church and the city tourism

replied, “The Tamontaka Church is not the most important destination, but it isn't

the most important either, because, as I previously stated, you don't go as

frequently as the amount of people who visit the Grand Mosque.” According to

Ms. Fondoza, the Tamontaka church, one of the many tourism attractions offered
 46

by the city tourism, is not the most important destination, but rather the Grand

mosque. That is evident by the frequency of people visiting the area.

Regarding what the main cultural activities they have organized in

Cotabato city, they replied, “Cultural events, Every December, there are Sharif

Kabunsuan events. Cotabato City's significant cultural events are listed below.

Actually, it's also one of the city's two festivals. Araw Ng Cotabato can also be

considered because there are social and cultural events taking place there, but if

you are looking for something cultural, the SHARIF KABUNSUAN will do. We

also have here what we call paliit-liit, or mini festival, for example, CHINESE

NEW YEAR, which is considered a culture because it's a unique type of

celebration.” Cotabato city, at present is made up of people with diverse cultural

orientation, hence, Ms. Fondoza clarified that the city does not only celebrate

Cultural events of the city, which are Sharif Kabunsuan events and Araw ng

Cotabato, but also Chinese New Year and other celebrations of different culture.

The researcher asked what is it about Sharif Kabunsuan that makes him

the most cultured, they responded, ”Before we got together, I'd been feeling for a

long time, how did we say that, before I became a tourism officer, I believe we

will be unable to reach an agreement since all I know is that it will become

private. However, it has been going on for more than a decade. The celebration

of SHARIF KABUNSUAN is a trademark of the Cotabato city festival, therefore,

for example, in Davao, when it comes to cultural festivals, we have

KADAWAYAN; in South Cotabato, we have TINALAK; and in Cotabato City, we

 47

have SHARIF KABUNSUAN festival, which has a presidential decree proclaiming

December 15th as a holiday because it is SHARIF KABUNSUAN's day. Ms.

Fondoza explained that Sharif Kabunsuan is the trademark of the Cotabato city

festival, just like other festivals that are celebrated by other cities. This

celebration had been celebrated for decades that it has became an image of

Cotabato city.

With regards on the query about the historical sites present in the city,

they responded, “Historical site, all in City Hall.” Ms. Fondoza was consistent

about stating the the city hall being the historical site of the city.

2) Barangay Secretary, Kalangan II

A Brgy. Secretary of kalangan II named Rehana Aguiao was invited to be

a participant of the study and provide insight with regards to the Tourism

Developmental programs of the city of Cotabato involving the Barangay. The

interview was conducted following the interview guide formulated by the

researcher.

The interview started by asking the participant, Mrs. Rehana Aguiao

(Interviewed last March 10, 2022) about what are the local tourism attractions in

the area, “People visit the Grand Mosque and Timako, which are both located

here. Then there's the bay walk, as they call it. They visit three tourist attractions

in this area.” According to Ms. Aguiao, the most visited tourism attraction in the
 48

area is the Grand Mosque and Timako Hill, as well as the baywalk. Those three

tourism attraction are famous in the area for both tourists and locals.

When asked how about the Timako hill, Mrs. Aguiao responded, “Many

businesses have been developed in Timako, resulting in a large number of

visitors. It was transformed into a popular tourist attraction. They have a wide

selection of dishes to choose from.” Mrs. Aguiao added that the Timako hill

became an avenue for the development of many businesses, that also one of the

contributing factors in increasing the number of people, making it one of the

popular tourism attractions.

In terms of the programs in place to ensure that tourist attractions are kept

clean, Mrs. Aguiao answered, “We work with the city hall as well. What's the

name of that? They’re the ones who throw garbage, and it's what we used to

refer to as "coastal". I forgot it. They just pick up rubbish on the beach. Then

there's a bunch of motorists that assist with rubbish hauling, who are right here

with us.” In terms of the maintenance of these tourism attractions, Ms. Aguiao

said that they are in collaboration with the city tourism. The city tourism have

people in charge of the picking up the rubbish and throwing it. They also have

special the ‘coastal’ that is responsible for keeping the beach clean. Motorists

also help in the clean up drives, hence, ensuring the cleanliness of these

attractions. Ms. Aguiao means that the CENRO are the responsible for the

collection of the garbage on the coastal.

The researcher further asked since it appears to be a different group

which assists the Brgy. and the Brgy. Secretary responded, “They come here to
 49

our area in order to do so.” According to Mrs. Aguiao, it was different group that

assists the brgy. and that their sole purpose is to clean these attractions.

The interview led into inquiring whether the barangay conducts tours on all

the tourism spots of the area and they responded, which Mrs. Aguiao responded,

“Yes of course, to maintain the peace and order.” With regards to tours, Mrs.

Aguiao said that they conduct tours in order maintain peace and order.

When also asked what LGU programs they get in line with these tourism

development program, Mrs. Aguiao answered, “Apart from it, nothing. They just

assist with garbage management. Only the health protocols, waste management,

and peace and order.” When asked if they provide assistance to the Grand

Mosque, they answered, “Yes, of course” Mrs. Aguiao, was asked if the LGU

have assistance provided, and she stated that they had provided assistance on

health protocols, waste management, peace and order, and the Grand Mosque.

Other than that, they have not provided any assistance to the Barangay.

3) Grand Mosque-Caretaker

Mr. Mohammad Salanganin a caretaker in the Grand Mosque was invited

to participate in the study as a representative of the tourism attraction which has

a personal experience on how these tourism attractions were handled.

The interview began by asking who the current Imam of the grand mosque

is after the departure of the previous imam, which Mr. Salanganin (Interviewed

last March 10, 2022) answered, “He is Abdul Musa.” Then followed by asking

what day do people normally pray in the area based on the observation, “Usually,
 50

Friday, Saturday and Sunday” and if these were adults or young people, they

respond, “They are family. They came from all over the Philippines, including

Manila, Davao, and other cities.” According to Mr. Salanganin, Imam Abdul Musa

is the current imam of the mosque and that peple usually come to visit the place

on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The people that come are mostly families that

were from all over the country.

When asked when they normally allow the visitors in the mosque, Mr.

Salanganin answered, “Usually 6am.” If whether they we open for major events,

they said, “yes, of course”. If they were following the health protocols, “yes, we

do”. He also said that the visitors come from 6am, as it is the time they also begin

allowing the entry to the said tourism attraction. He also emphasized that they

follow the health protocols; this is to ensure safety of both the residents and

visitors of the tourism attraction.

In terms of the restrictions, I asked if visitation was restricted, Mr.

Salanganin said, “There are no restrictions since we can see it, the mosque is

large, and we are following health protocols.” Regarding the dress code,” Girls

should wear a hijab, and men should avoid wearing shorts.” Which is a rule

implemented whether a visitor is a Muslim or Christian. Mr. Salanganin was

asked if they have had restriction which he clearly denied. He said that they are

only strict with two things, health protocols to ensure safety and dress code

which is implemented for all visitors regardless of their religious affiliations.

When asked about the LGUs participation in their place to help it running,

Mr. Salanganin said, “There was no help, and there was no monthly
 51

compensation. I've been here ten years and we still don't have that allowance.

It's from the Sadaqah. We used it for the maintenance. Every Friday, there's a

sadaqah. “when asked whether the barangay provides support, they said, “The

Brgy. is the only source of supply, but it is from the BARMM.” With regards to the

involvement of the LGU in their operations, he said that they have not received

any assistance, no allowance was received nor monthly compensations. They

use the Sadaqah, to pay for the utilities that they use. The Barangay also

provides assistance by providing supply from BARMM.

When asked if they can rely on the LGU in terms of assistance from other

concerns, He said, “They do, in fact. We can rely on them, especially when it

comes to challenges. But never ever the other issues we've run upon include

persons who are dating inside the mosque. So, if I catch them, I'll hand them

over to the Brgy. They do assist. After Ramadhan, especially. Usually, it's the

police and the army.” Aside from the monetary concerns, Mr. Salanganin said

that they are able to rely to the LGU. He said that the LGU provides assistance in

disciplining people that are doing inappropriate acts inside the holy place like

dating. They catch these violators and hand them over to the Barangay. The

LGU also provides assistance during special occasions, like Ramadhan.

When asked about whether there were an instance that a foreigner comes

to visit, Mr. Salanganin said, “Yes, of course. Both arabs and Americans are

sometimes from London. However, this was before the pandemic. For the time

being, now that we are dealing with a pandemic, none of them have surfaced.

Last Ramadan, a group of Bruneians came here and brought a beef to cook.” Mr.
 52

Salanganin also added that there are foreigners that came to see the tourism

attraction before the pandemic, since the andemic happened, it hindered these

foreign visitors to get to the place. Last Ramadhan, there were also Group of

Bruneians that brought beef to cook. Apart from that, no foreigner was able to

come.

4) Local Businesses

The (2) respondents were local business owners, named Mike Pater a

side vendor and Ethleah Gel a waitress at fast food establishment, which the

researcher interviewed last March 10, 2022 in relation to the Tourism

development programs. They were initially asked what they were trying to sell.

Mike Pater answered, “I am a vendor. Selling street foods”

Ethleah Gel said, “Lomi and many more, It is just like a short order.

They were also asked if they follow health protocols, they both answered,

“Yes”

When asked what days do people come and visit, they answered, “Friday,

Saturday, and Sunday”

The local business owners offers food products which is more saleable in

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays since those days are the days of the week

where many of the visitors go to see the tourism attractions offered by the city of

Cotabato. It also allowed them to earn money. They also stated that they follow

the health protocols which the LGU implements to maintain health safety.
 53

5) Motorbike drivers

The motorbike drivers have the most number (5) of participants compared

to other types of participants in this study, Ags Batuwa, Ismail Lumenda, Boy

Ryan, Datu Didong Acob Muhamad, and Manguda Samama, were all

interviewed last March 10, 2022. The researcher interviewed each one to gather

data on how these tourism development programs are organized and

implemented, and how were they affected by it.

All of the participants were asked how long they’ve been doing it and what

they do before entering the job.

Ags Batuwa said, “It is been a year” When I asked what he did before

being a driver, “I was just at home too, lying down, unemployed.”

Bapa Ismail Lumenda said, “For the past two years, I have been riding a

motorcycle” When I asked what he did before being a driver, “I am a farmer, I'm a

woodcutter.”

Boy Ryan said, “It is been a year” When asked what he did before being a

driver, “I am woodcutter.”

Datu Didong Acob Muhamad said, “I have been riding motorcycles for

three years, but at the time, my job was selling ice drops.”

Manguda Samama said, “It is been two years” When asked what he did

before being a driver, “I don’t work anywhere else but as a tricycle driver”

The participants have been doing this occupation for at least a year now.

Mr. Ags Batuwa was previously unemployed and had been a driver for a year
 54

now. Mr. Ismail Lumenda was previously a woodcutter and a farmer and is doing

this job for two years now. Mr. Boy Ryan was a woodcutter that had become a

motorbike driver for a year now. Mr. Datu Didong Acob Muhamad was previously

selling ice drop then switched to becoming a motorbike driver and is already

three years in this job. Lastly, Mr. Manguda Samama who have not done any job

before becoming a driver, now he has been doing the job for two years now. .

The researcher went on to ask what pushed them to become a driver, and

they collectively answered, “For everyday needs” All of the five participants have

stated that they are into the job for the goal of providing their daily necessities.

This has been their staple job

When asked about the participants if what age group were spotted to be

frequent in visiting these tourism attractions, “Mix actually”

The participants collectively said mixed age group came to visit the

tourism attractions. That includes, children to adults.

In terms of what tourism attractions were on the top of the list that these

visitors go, “Grand mosque, Timako hill, and Bubong” were the common answers

given.

According to the motorbike drivers, the Grand Mosque, Timako Hill, and

Bubong were the three most famous tourism attractions that lured the visitors to

come and visit in the city.

Regarding what days of the week do most these visitors come to visit

these tourism attractions, Ags Batuwa, Ismail Lumenda and Manguda Samama

said, “Saturday and Sunday”

 55

Ags Batuwa, Ismail Lumenda, and Manguda Samama were the ones

whom I asked the days of the week where the number of visitors is increased,

and they stated from Friday to Sunday. This can be due to the availability of the

employees free time, also, these are days when the children or students in

general do not need to go to school.

III. Effectiveness of the programs in terms of; attracting local tourist,

foreign tourist, Physical development, local business and diverse

employment opportunities.

The city tourism, Ms. Frondoza were interviewed last March 9, 2022 and

Mrs. Aguiao a secretary in kalangan II interviewed march 10, 2022 regarding the

promotional or marketing strategy that have been made by the LGU and its

effectiveness and among are their responses.

A. Local Tourist

The City tourism, Ms. Fondoza said, “I'm not sure when it's been, but it's

been a long time.” According to Ms. Fondoza, the programs in promotion of

their natural attractions have been going on for a very long time.

In terms of the effectiveness, She said, “What makes it effective? Well, it's

quite effective, ah. They did during the first opening of all city halls, which was

during my time Jojo Guiani, the mayor, and Atty. Chyntia and the City

administration collaborate on a report. I wrote a letter to the Department of

 56

Tourism XII to see if they can assist us in restoring the property because it did

not look like this before. Those structures are really close together. So, I'd say it's

quite effective because we can POTAPLIKA, which means museum. It has

artifacts from NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY, so I'd say it was quite successful. As

a result, Cotabato city has a physical infrastructure that all local visitors are

welcome to see when it comes to history and culture.” Ms. Fondoza said that

their promotional and marketing strategies were quite effective. She was able to

ask for assistance from Department of Tourism XII that enabled the restoration of

old city hall which will be turned into a museum. It is also manifested with the

existence of POTAPLIKA which means museum. There are also artifacts

present in the Notre Dame University. She also added that Cotabato city has

physical infrastructures that are open for visitors which present history and

culture.

Looking into what nationalities have already been in those tourism

attractions, she stated, “They are not only from Mindanao, since tours from

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are also welcome.” It was followed by what year

have the most number of recorded tourist they said, “I can't say, but I can

provide you with tourists arrival in 2020, 2021, and 2022.” Ms. Fondoza also

shared that the tourists does not only came from the Island s of Mindanao but

also from Luzon, and Visayas. The number of tourists also increased in year

2020, 2021, and 2022.

 57

B. Foreign Tourist

The researcher also asked regarding the effectiveness of the program in

terms of recruiting international tourists, Ms. Fondoza, the city tourism said, “it is

effective. We recognize that our foreign visitors do not come for the sole purpose

of tourism, thus, many of them come here for different reasons, such it is

effective in the sense that they are able to persuade them to visit our tourist

attraction.” Ms. Fondoza, also said that their programs are effective in recruiting

international tourists and locals. The international tourists also are not only there

for the sole purpose of tourism, but also for business ventures and other

purposes.” According to Ms. Frondoza the foreign tourist coming to cotabato city

are not come for the purpose of vacation or sightseeing to the tourism attraction

of cotabato city, the sole purpose of the foreign tourist are investing in business

ventures and other purposes.

Grand Mosque-Caretaker

With the regards of the tourist who visit the Grand Mosque. Mr.

Salanganin said “Both arabs and Americans are sometimes from London.

However, this was before the pandemic. For the time being, now that we are

dealing with a pandemic, none of them have surfaced. Last Ramadan, a group of

Bruneians came here and brought a beef to cook” Mr. salanganin stated that

before the pandemic they are many tourist visited at the grand mosque for the

purpose of giving Da’wah and giving support to the grand mosque. Then after
 58

pandemic Mr. Salanganin stated that the tourist who visit at the grand mosque

decline.

C. Physical Development

In terms of the effectiveness of the developing physical tourism

development programs, she replied, “Very effective because, as I previously

stated, if the tourist destination is not developed, no one will visit it. We would not

have a cultural and historical site in the city if we had not fixed the entire city

hall.” Ms. Fondoza also said that the program is effective since it led into physical

tourism development of their city hall which is their cultural and historical site.

To elaborate further, the researcher asked which were the top five most

visited tourism attraction, she responded, “The Grand Mosque is first, followed by

the Timako Hill, where we have already established all of the municipal halls due

to our historical landmark, and last we can also mention the Tamontaka church

because it is included if there are guests, as well as our river system. The bay

walk is already a part of Timako, and the Tamontaka river is the primary

attraction of bay walk, thus bay walk was included because that river is part of

the river system owing to granded.

Ms. Frondoza Further says “ORG compound is not included since the

physical structure does not exist for tourism, thus it is not included in those

structures that exist because of the government agency, and when the

government agency is gone, no one will visit there, because for entertainment
 59

purposes, for use purposes, and for people, and then for tourists who want to

relax, consider related establishment no. 1 our accommodation establishment,

and then our establishment food, our wellness tourism, those places we call spot,

static beauty, and then they are establishments what we call tourist destination

primary exist for tourists and visitors, so that's why we don't consider the BARMM

area as a tour destination. But you realize that there is a true tourist spot there?

The highway is the old runway of this city's first airport; therefore you can see

Jollibee and then the Sardonyx area. From there, you can view the street. Then

everything will draw away, so if you have visitors or tourists, we'll give them

guided tours. We recruited them, but your reference of the BARMM complex was

left out, because, yeah, it's government infrastructure. Similarly, the People's

Palace is a stop on our tours since it is our mayor's office, and people come here

to meet her or contact her to see the infrastructure because our mayor's office is

here.” Ms. Fondoza further shared that the Grand mosque, Timako Hill, and

Tamontaka church were the most visited destinations in the city. She also added

that the Timako Hill is where they had established their municipal halls due to its

historical landmark. She further explained that not all of the places in the city are

considered tourism destinations, but rather just those that exist for tourists and

visitors; one example is the BARMM complex which is a government

infrastructure. The People’s Palace is also included as a part of their tour stops

since it is the Mayor’s office and people come to see and meet her as well as to

appreciate the infrastructure. She also shared that the BARMM compound is the

old runaway of the city’s airport.

 60

The researcher also asked on the ongoing progress of the physical

development of tourist attractions, Ms. Fondoza responded, “We have a plan to

renovate all of the city halls by 2022, but it has not started yet. However, this

timeline has already been set for 2022.” Regarding the physical development

program of their tourism attractions, Ms. Fondoza said that they have plans on

renovating their city hall by 2022 following their timeline.

D. Local business

In terms of the effectiveness of tourism program their marketing strategy

on the local business sector Ms. Frondoza replied, “In a way, here in the city, it's

quite effective. The connection is how you phrase it-interconnected. The reason

we built such a large structure is because they see the impact of people coming

to Cotabato. Many people come to Cotabato for business as well as tourism, so

they can see how those people conduct business and tourist transactions. And

it's because there are so many people who want to start a business that all we

can do is improve our tourist program.” The local business according to Ms.

Fondoza had gained a positive impact from the tourism of Cotabato since it had

given opportunities to people both resident and tourists. The program had a

positive domino effect on the business and tourism sector of the city.

Brgy. Secretary, Kalangan II

When asked what are the benefits of the programs to the barangay in

terms of the local business? Mrs. Aguiao responded. “In Timako, there are
 61

numerous stores. Because we constructed a store there, we can also fulfill the

requirements of the individuals who visit. People come here because of the

businesses, thus that is why they come. Fish and crabs can be purchased in the

Grand Mosque as well. People here get money as a result of this. The Baywalk is

the same way, with food for sale.” The researcher further asked how many local

businesses has been established along the tourist attraction? Ms. Aguiao

respondent “Except for the minor stores, the one in Timako contains only ten (10)

stores” According to Mrs. Aguiao the Tourism attraction in their area attracts the

local businesses which is the majority of the businesses are fast food.

E. Diverse employment opportunities

In terms of the effectiveness of the implementation prospect, Ms.

Frondoza said, “It is very effective .Sometimes people say the population of the

City is different from morning and evening. Because the morning is, it is too

traffic. It seems like a lot of people visits. Because there is a lot of people who

are working at city but they were not a residence of Cotabato City. A lot of

residence from Datu Odin Sinsuat works here in Cotabato, but they went home

when it is night so in terms of implement, it is very effective. We provided

employment possibilities not only to residents of Cotabato City, but also to

residents of nearby municipalities and provinces, and when the KCC is

completed, they want to create more than 10,000 work chances for them, ranging

from 5,000 to 10,000. We talked about it the day before yesterday. As a result,

tourism is also in charge of ensuring that employment possibilities are available

 62

to everyone because they are linked. When department shops and malls open, I

believe they will supply lodging, and tourism will always be involved.” Ms.

Fondoza, the city tourism officer said that the effectiveness of their

implementation is evident from the amount of people that comes to visit the area.

The amount of people is very different from morning to night. This is due to the

number of people working and visiting the area. The program had not only

provided attractions but also job opportunities to the people within and also

outside the city and more will be offered as more business opportunities are

being opened.

Further more Ms. Fondoza believed, they can provide employment

possibilities not only to residents of Cotabato City, but also to residents of nearby

municipalities and provinces, and when the KCC is completed, they want to

create more than 10,000 work chances for them, ranging from 5,000 to 10,000.

When department shops and malls open, city tourism believed they will supply

lodging, and tourism will always be involved. The City tourism office by their

representative Ms. Fondoza, said that their development programs have created

a positive impact by opening employment possibilities to all the residents as well

as those near the city. The business investors that have started their

infrastructures have offered jobs in construction and employment for those

establishments that are already done and functioning.

 63

Brgy. Secretary, Kalangan II

When asked Mrs. Aguiao if she believed that it produced jobs as a result

of these tourist attractions, she answered, “Obviously there is. Because, other

businesses in the area are in need of workers. They occasionally require the

assistance of their storekeeper. It doesn't matter that they're just hiring

individuals; they're also locals who know that if there's a problem, the barangay

will take care of it.” Mrs. Aguiao believed that these tourist attractions had

produced job since there are businesses that had opened which required

employees to function. The barangay also helped in regulation and maintaining

peace and order.

IV. Marketing strategies of the LGU in promoting the tourism industry in

the city.

The city tourism, Ms. Frondoza were interviewed last March 9, 2022

regarding the promotional or marketing strategy that have been made by the

LGU.

The researcher asked what was the marketing strategy used by the City

Tourism in promoting the tourism attractions which she responded, “In all of the

visuals, the marketing strategy was ranked first. We made a tourism film for

Cotabato City last year and shared it on social media; in fact, many people

shared it. We utilize social media as a second through our news, friendships with

people in the tourism industry, and Cotabato city was included Julie anne San

Jose virtual concert without charge. We did not make a payment. Julie anne is
 64

adamant about coming here because the organizers of the SK province are

friends of ours, so she comes here for free; number three is the production of

brochures; number four is attendance at tourism-related activities and meetings;

for example, they have a meeting on these topics, and they invited our officers. I

believe it is also quite effective that the officer is present at all times. Because

she will be able to discuss her concerns, issues, and challenges at the same time

as she will be able to share the issues and challenges of the agency meetings in

order for them to address the challenges, it is very significant. She attends trade

shows, festivals, and other events where tourism is needed.” Regarding to the

means that they use to promote their tourism industry, Ms. Fondoza said that

they utilized the digital platform by creating a tourism film of the city and

spreading it into the social media platforms. Among the many marketing

strategies used by the city tourism the digital platforms are the most effective way

marketing strategies. They have also been promoted by famous celebrities such

as Julie anne San Jose a singer via virtual concert. They also resorted to

creating brochures for people who come to the city; it also serves as guide to

things the city offers. They also involved themselves in tourism-related activities

and meetings since it enables them to discuss and find ways to address the

issues, and challenges in the most efficient way. Attendance in tourism activities

such as trade shows, festivals and other events that the tourism is involved is

also a way of learning more and promotion as well for the city.

The researcher followed up by asking whether social media is the most

effective and she said, “Yes! We live in, we live in a digital society, with
 65

globalization as a means of sharing information digitally at a distance. What we

refer to as a mechanism can be used in the Philippines as well as in other

countries. As you may have noticed, many tourists and visitors are young people,

therefore how they learn about social media is really important.” Ms. Fondoza

explained that their promotional actions are not only intended to attract the locals

but also national and even international visitors, which she added, are getting a

positive response. Social media according to her is the most effective tool that

they have used in promoting their tourism globally. Since, that we are in the

digital era and that everyone is literate in the social media platforms, they can

easily see, like and share all these information which they posted on social

media. Hence, a way to promote also their tourism.

The researcher also inquired whether the tourism office use print media as

a marketing material to boost the tourism industry, Ms. Frondoza said “yes,

because there is also a print media. As far as I know, whenever there is an event

in Cotabato, we have to publicize it, advertise it in print media or in a magazine,

and before the pandemic; there were also authors who came here. Cotabato city

comes to mind when they think of the city.” Print media is also used as a

marketing tool according to Ms. Fondoza, and it showcases the events that were

conducted in the City for publicity and as well as advertisement. It is also a way

to remove the prejudices of other people when they get to hear the name of the

city.
 66

Regarding her opinion on the marketing strategies to further boost the

tourism industry, the response was, “No, there's no need to choose a tourist spot.

You know, no one will try to visit your tourist location if it is not appealing to the

eye, and they will also state that even if our tourist destination is not very

appealing, as long as the promotion is good, they will visit it. But, as we

constantly say, it must be both a good tourist destination and a good business

destination. And another item to consider is our marketing techniques.” Ms.

Fondoza said that by the way things are in terms of their promotion and constant

innovations to make sure these tourism attractions are appealing enough to invite

tourists, they have no need to choose since these are all well maintained and are

catered to be equally pleasing to the eyes of tourists. They also have looked into

services so that they gain good reviews and people would promote it as well.

When asked whether the LGU is doing a marketing research study to

determine consumer needs and wishes to increase market engagement, Ms.

Fondoza said, “Maybe it's in our office for the trade industry. We've done it before

in the travel industry. We have a standard for tourist arrivals in tourist data

arrival.” The Office of the trade industry, according to Ms. Fondoza, were the

ones assigned to do a marketing research study in determining their consumer

needs and whishes in order to increase the market engagement.

Local Business

The local business owners, Mike Pater a side vendor and Ethleah Gel a

waitres in fast food were interviewed last March 10, 2022 on whether they have a

marketing strategy that they use to promote their businesses, and they
 67

responded, “We haven’t done so” based on the interview to Mr. Pater and Ms.

Gel, they do not have marketing strategy to increase their customers.

Regarding as to what motivates them to establish their businesses, “It is

because of the tourists” but, according to them both, they are pursuing this

business because of the tourists. That includes the profit they can also gain

through their business which is also their livelihood.

V. Challenges encountered by the LGU in promoting tourism programs

When asked which is among the enumerated tactics is the most beneficial

for improvement Ms. Fondoza replied, “I believe it is the brochure since many

people do not seek for brochures because all of the information is available on

social media. That is why our tourism page is so important, because it is

frequently visited by tourists. No one comes here solely to get brochures.

Instead, if people search for our page on Facebook, they will find it there, as well

as on Twitter, Google, and Instagram. So I believe it's still effective for people

who are traveling due to the epidemic, there was also a lack of traffic due to the

epidemic, but we now expect this to happen again. That is why I believe that list

of effective is useful.” Among the enumerated promotional means, the brochure

is the one Ms. Fondoza sees to need improvements since that people are more

dependent on their Facebook page and other social media platforms such as

Google, Instagram, and Twitter to look for the details and information regarding

their tourism attractions.

 68

The researcher asked who are their target audience, which Ms. Fondoza

replied, “It's the local, national and international visitors”. And if they are getting

good response she said, “Yes, there is a great deal. I believe you should also try

to go to a tourist attraction. You can go to the website, where there are videos,

and evaluate how effective it is by looking at the number of shares, likes, and

comments, which is how we assess effectiveness in social media.”.

The researcher also looked into their partnership with local organizations

and institutions to fill positions which she replied, “No, you're referring to distinct

offices of local government units. We've got it. We've also formed a working

relationship with the company. We do. In fact, have separate it into groups for

distinct food, wellness tourists, and travel trips, form a group. Because, we have

that type of communication. We understand that whatever programs the local

government unit has, at the present will be ineffective without the assistance of

the commercial and private sectors, so we have that, and then apart from that,

we have different social cultures and civic organizations. In reality, there's

collaboration with many. That is all we can do, such as civil organizations such

as paternities and rotaries.” Ms. Fondoza further explained that the LGU have

distinct offices designated for specific purposes such as food, wellness, tourists,

and travels are formed into a group. This includes commercial and private

sectors to ensure effectively and efficiency of service. They also have socio-

cultural and civil organizations for other assistance.

VI. Policies recommendation can be drawn from the study

 69

The study also looked into the pressing concerns of the participants in line

with the tourism development programs and attractions and also the suggested

solutions or those that had already been done by the people involved and here

are as follows:

A. City Tourism

Ms. Fondoza responded, “It is true that the exact Cotabato City is the age-old

movement of people in Cotabato City. It is quite difficult. Why do I say so?

People would also have a mental image of the Cotabato City. Something isn't

quite right, apart from that, there's the matter of order. It's in the name, but what

we're doing right now is making our visitors and tourists feel at home in our city.

Respectable persons are cordially welcomed so, through the host's perception of

our tourists and visitors, we attempt to dispel the misconception that Cotabato

City is not a peaceful City. And then there's the open source implementation that

we can make a post on the internet for them to see what the city is truly like and

what kind of people live in Cotabato City. So, one step at a time, I wonder if I'll go

because I recall perfectly that before, the I.T organizations haven't been

particularly active in the past, but today they're more aggressive, what I'm trying

to express is that they are present in City's initiatives. So what we're doing right

now is continuously saying, "we can now see their aggressiveness." I' m

referring to the partnering group. It is due to the fact that the city, is one of the

first cities in south central Mindanao, as you can see. In fact, it is the oldest city in

this area of the BARMM, even in region XII, therefore, the way people conceive
 70

of it differs in every cities. When I suggested that we go to Jollibee in Cotabato

City. I know you got my point, what I'm talking about if you've ever eaten at

Jollibee. It's difficult to advertise Cotabato City, and then there's a period when

there's a lot. They embrace the truth that the current state of peace and order is

unstable. We are to convey a message.

There are times when visitors inquire about it. “There is a lot of uniformed

folks here, so we try to explain to them that the tourism officer is always pleasant.

Because it is difficult to explain to them why there are so many men in uniform,

such as soldiers and police officers, and of course they're in the ARMM. But we

try to convince them, or I try to tell them, that we are safe here in Cotabato City

because we can ensure you that those individuals in uniform are always on the

lookout to safeguard the area, likewise, our visitors. We also need to upgrade our

infrastructure. Getting a budget from the national government is quite difficult.

Our mayor has many responsibilities in our town, but we are grateful that she has

set aside a budget for tourism. Indeed, it's possible that this city's tourism

development plan is solely based on tourism. In the other places, we will have a

tourism code, similar to one's step in time, to ensure that people can view the

varied aspects of Cotabato City. They are also taken aback by the ronda and

curfew we have. "How can we enjoy the moment if there is a curfew?" they ask

and I respond, "You know, the people here have tried to embrace it and it used

to. Of course, our generation is not that old, so we can have the party for

fellowship. 10:00 o'clock pm will be the exact time of curfew. And then the people

used to it. So that the fellowship will start at 4pm so, it ends in 6 pm. They are
 71

also allowing them to have." According to Ms. Fondoza, the prejudices of people

who have not gone to Cotabato City is their main issue of concern. The people

are having the mental image of the city as unsafe, and chaotic. However, they

compensate it by making the visitors and tourists feel at home as an attempt to

dispel that misconception of the city and change it into being a peaceful city.

They also do advertising of the city through social media platforms and share the

city’s activities to also create awareness to people of what is really happening in

the city in real time and erase that assumption that it is all about war and killing.

Ms. Fondoza she further stated “is aware that previously the city had been

in an unstable state and that peace and order was in evident. However, things

had change, there are a lot of men in uniform visible all around the area to

maintain peace and order”. The officers were also pleasant to people to not ward

off the visitors and encourage them to come again. Aside from that, Ms. Fondoza

also mentioned about their infrastructures that needs an upgrade. The national

government had already presented solutions and their mayor also takes action

to be able to realize it and is not in the process. Their tourism code is also going

to be renewed and will be more organized than what the currently have. Ms.

Fondoza also made mention the shock of visitors in the curfew implemented in

the area, which is not evident in other cities. But, she is patient enough and

also other officers to explain that people are going into fellowship hence, there is

a curfew that was implemented and of course, for security reasons.

 72

When asked about how worst the challenges are encountered by ranging

it from one to ten, the response was, “It's not that poor because we try to address

them. I believe it's a 4, not a 5, because when we say 5, half of the city gets

worse we’ve got. We surely gets everyone to engage and we coordinate

everyone, so the partnership should benefit the individuals. So I awarded it a four

because I think there's always a room for improvement.” According to Ms.

Fondiza, the challenges they encountered is not that much of a concern since

they have already prepared solutions and organized plans of action in order to

address it as soon as possible.

B. Kalangan II, Brgy. Secretary

Mrs. Rehana Aguiao (Interviewed last March 10, 2022) responded, “First

and foremost, those motorists, according to the police. The second problem is

garbage, but there is a remedy. However, because our current condition is

pandemic, some of them did not adhere to the health rules. That is why the LGU,

or as we used to call it, the PLGU, came here to manage the IATF.” The main

issue of the Barangay according to Ms. Aguiao is the motorists, the nect is their

garbage but is presented with a remedy however, it is not properly performed

due to the limitations of pandemic.

When the researcher asked if it was difficult to manage the barangay due

to three to four tourist attractions, she responded, “Three sir, The three I've

named are the ones I've mentioned. Timako, the Grand Mosque, and Baywalk

are all places worth visiting.

 73

Regards to their concerns, she added, “First and foremost, I wish these

construction workers had a job because they are currently in need of assistance

due to the pandemic. Because most of them are uneducated, I hope they will be

assigned a job that does need them to pass up paper documentation.” When it

comes to management of their tourist attractions it is not that a concern since

they have an assigned program for that. But, she added that the construction

workers should be offered a job so that it can become their source of income for

daily necessities.

C. Grand Mosque-caretaker

When the researcher asked Mohammad Salanganin what they can ask

the LGU, his answer was, “I've been here for ten years and have never

encountered that issue. It's humiliating. However, Datu Digs Dilangalen

occasionally provides assistance, and when it comes to water, I voluntarily pay it,

as well as the mosque's other bills. I made advantage of the sadaqah.” The main

concern of the Bapa Salanganin is the monetary assistance from the LGU that

will be used to be able to pay the utilities in the Grand Mosque and for the

maintenance as well.

D. Local Business

When asked, Mike Pater a side vendir and Ethleah Gel a fast food

waitress what they want to be addressed by the LGU, Mike Pater said, “They

provide assistance. We, the merchants, are actually renting the store to the wife
 74

of former Congressman Dilangalen.” While Ethleah Gel seconded, “financial

support”. Both of the business owners, Mr. Pater and Ms. Gel’s concern is

monetary assistance. Not by giving out money to them but to ask the LGU to not

take rentals from them.

E. Motorbike Drivers

The motorbike drivers were asked what their request or concerns are and

Datu Didong Acob Muhamad only answered, “our only request is that these

tourist attractions will not be closed since we will have trouble finding another

source of income” he said that their only request is for the tourism attractions to

not closed down as it is their source of income, and it will be a great deal of a

problem for them to look for another source of income if these attractions were

closed down.
 75

Chapter V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Restatement of the Problem and Methodology

The Study aimed to assess the tourism development programs in

Cotabato City.

Specifically, the study seeks to answer the following question:

1. What are the programs of the LGU of Cotabato City for the development

of tourism industry in terms of:

a. environmental awareness

b. natural resources

c. cultural diversity

2. How effective are these programs in terms of attracting:

a. local tourists

b. foreign tourist

c. physical development

d. local business

e. diverse employment opportunities?

3. What are the marketing strategies of the LGU in promoting the tourism

industry in the City?

4. What are the challenges encountered by the LGU in promoting tourism

program in the city?

5. What policies recommendation can be drawn from the study?

 76

In This study will make use of the descriptive qualitative using qualitative

research using case study approach. This involves the presentation of series of

questions to which the qualified participants respond. The goal of the study was

to determined the tourism development programs of Cotabato City. The case

analysis will be used to go deeper to the real circumstances and attracting

tourism program in Cotabato City.

Major findings

The following are the major findings of the study

1. The LGU has no programs that only focus on the tourist attraction but

they have established programs on environment, culture and natural resources.

For the environmental aspect, they have made collaboration with CENRO to do

Clean up drive as well as maintaining the cleanliness and the LGU also There

had been preexisting laws in the LGU one is the Republic Act no. 9003, also

known as the ecological solid waste management of 2000 that ensures the public

health and environment. Second is, they also had a resolution, resolution no.

6404 series of 2018, which states as a resolution approving and adopting the

implementing rules and regulation of the ordinance no. 4203, series of 2013,

otherwise known as an ordinance prohibiting the use, selling and distribution of

non-biodegradable plastic as secondary packaging material and non-

biodegradable Styrofoam as food and beverage containers in the city of

Cotabato, and prescribing the penalties for violation. They also have a City

Ordinance no. 2360, which is their solid waste management code. These
 77

information were provided through documents by the city CENRO. The LGU did

not make coordination with the BARMM resulting in miscommunication.

In the Cultural diversity aspect, they have had cultural mapping or cultural

and heritage research to identify landmarks that were significant in history and

the culture in the city. They also have cultural events that do not only focus on

the Muslim celebration but also of other cultures. In terms of their natural

resources, they made sure to showcase their eco-tourism location, their rivers,

caves, and the likes.

2. The effectiveness of the programs of the LGU in local tourist according

to the city tourism it is effective because of the existing POTAPLIKA which

means museum it has artifacts coming from the Notre Dame University this is the

one reason why tourist visits the tourism attraction the major reason are the

famous Grand mosque, tamontaka river and timako hill and ports. The LGU

majority of the visitor are not only in neighboring municipalities in Mindanao but in

also from Luzon and Visayas.

In attracting foreign tourist the LGU recognize that the foreign visitors do

not come for the sole purpose of tourism, many of them come for different

reasons, such for investing in business ventures and other purposes.

In terms of effectiveness of the programs in physical development, The

cotabato city have a tourism development plan to renovates the old city hall and

other tourism attraction bue due to epidemic the tourism development plan has

been postpone. The most famous tourist attraction are the Grand mosque
 78

followed by timako hill. They already established all of the municipal halls due to

historical landmark, and last the Tamontaka church because it is included if there

are guests, as well as the river system. The bay walk is already a part of Timako,

and the Tamontaka river is the primary attraction of bay walk, thus the LGU are

not considered the bay walk as a tourism attraction because that river is part of

the river system owing to grinded. The ORG compound are not listed to tourist

attraction of cotabato city.

In attracting local business the LGU strategies are the development of the

tourist attraction of the area to attract local business. The local business gained a

positive impact in from the tourism of Cotabato since it had given opportunities to

people both resident and tourists. The program had a positive domino effect on

the business and tourism sector of the city. The most establish business along

the tourist attraction are located in timako hills, majority of the business are the

fast food.

The existing of the tourism attraction are creating the diverse employment

opportunities not only the local but from the neighbor municipalities. the city

tourism opened employment opportunities not only for people inside the

Cotabato city but also to people of nearby places if the big infrastructure projects

will be opened (e.g. KCC mall, department stores and malls). They also look

forward to cater lodging since tourism is always involved in this. According to the

Brgy. Secretary, tourism allowed the entry of many visitors as well as the

development of many business. Local business owners and the motorbike

 79

drivers also agreed that the impact of tourism to them was focused on having a

stable source of income to meet their daily necessities.

3. The Marketing strategy the City tourism uses various of ways such as

social media platforms which includes Fecebook, Twitter, Google and Instagram,

they also use news, and print media (e.g. magazines) for their advertisement,

they also included the collaborations with private sectors and even famous

people. The Brgy. Secretary, have a marketing strategy which is in line with the

city Tourism, the Grand Mosque respondent and Local business owners have no

statement regarding the Marketing strategy since there is none. The Motorbike

drivers provide suggestion to the tourists leading them to the tourism attraction to

get costumers.

Efficiency of the marketing strategies was assessed and the City tourism

respondent stated that the strategies were effective, in fact, they have had tourist

coming from all around the country. It opened an avenue for local businesses

opportunities to open since there are a lot of people who come to the city to

conduct both business and tourism transactions. The Grand mosque respondent

also felt the efficiency due to the amount of people coming to visit the Grand

mosque with their family or a group of people of different age groups which

comes not only from the city but also from all over the country and even outside

(Arabs and Americans). As for the Local business owners and motorbike drivers,

their source of income rely greatly on these tourism attractions although they
 80

have stated that they really have no solid marketing strategy themselves, hence,

the efficiency of their marketing strategy was not measured.

4. As for the challenges present, the City tourism responded that their

infrastructures have to be renovated, emphasizing their entire city hall. They also

said that their city is not in its optimal tourism status as it needs development, but

they are still waiting for the renewal of the tourism code so that they can be able

to do a tourism development plan for the purpose of betterment. They also gain

fund by asking the visitors of their municipal hall a small entrance fee, and the

business owners will also have to pay in Timako hill. One of the pressing

problems is also the perception of people outside Cotabato city, due to its

negative history, but they are making sure to counter that by making their visitors

feel at home. They also utilized the internet to show people what it is like to live in

the city. Peace and order in the city by the presence of the armed forces also had

a negative connotation to people, but they explain it to people that they meant no

harm; it is for the safety of the people of Cotabato and visitors as well. The

curfew was also a shock to visitors but they explain that that’s how life is in the

city and that the people have adapted to it as they have time for fellowship and

enjoyment as well. The Brgy. Secretary have a different concern, they are having

troubles because of the motorists, and the garbage disposal. However, it was

addressed already by the LGU. The Grand mosque deep concern when it comes

to the Grand Mosque was the absence of monetary assistance from the LGU,

although they rely on LGU when it comes to addressing the problems on people

which are dating in the Grand Mosque. The Barangay is also helping them in
 81

catching those delinquent individual. The Local Business owners have stated that

they have not received any support from the LGU and that if it is possible they

would like the LGU to address that concern. As for the motorbike drivers, there

has been no statement that pertains to issues that they have experienced which

needs solutions.

Conclusion

The study concludes the cotabato city has the following for the

development of tourism industry which include both (1) environmental awareness

and (2) natural resources such as CLEAN-UP DRIVE with collaboration with the

CENRO to for the cleaning of tourist destination and an Republic Act No. 9003,

Resolution No. 6404, City ordinance No. 4203 and Ordinance No. 2360 all the

mention on these ordinance are must abide. (3) cultural diversity such as cultural

mapping which is cultural and heritage research and there are two cultural event

which is the Sharif Kabunsuan and Araw ng Cotabato and they also celebration

small occasion such as Chinese New Year and other cultural base.

These programs have been attractive as evidence by an increased in

numbers of both local and foreign tourist coming from not only cotabato city but

each Luzon and visayas. Improvement of physical development such as Tourism

Development Plan 2016-2022 and cultural mapping which is cultural and heritage

research. It has also increased the numbers of local business in the city which

resulted to the creation of diverse employment opportunities.

 82

The adaptation of appropriate strategies has also been a factor for the

gradual improvement of tourism in the city, in spite some problems/challenges

encountered.

The policies recommendation of the respondents such as for the city are

the boost of the social media to dispel the misconception of the tourist coming

from the city.

Recommendation

The following recommendations were offered based on the findings and

conclusion of the study

1. The LGU of Cotabato City must have a CLEAN-UP DRIVE program that

focuses on environmental awareness of natural resources and cultural attraction

of tourism with inter-office coordination with the CENRO and to make sure to

coordinate to the BARMM offices that involve of the creation of the program, The

Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy and to Ministry of Trade,

Investment and tourism to conduct a research when where are the needs most of

a program that focuses on tourism attraction since each of it have different nature

and demands.

2. For the Barangay to engage more on proper waste disposal and clean

up drives, to have better reviews and make a tourism boom.

3. The LGU must create an ordinance that requires all the tourist visiting to

pay the environmental fees every tourist attraction they visited to raised a budget

or fund to maintain the tourist attraction.

 83

4. The LGU must coordinate with the office of the BARMM because

Cotabato City is no longer an independent component city but it is a part of the

BARMM and to avoid conflict.

5. The LGU to implement the Tourism Development Plan of the city and to

coordinates with the finance office, engineering office of the LGU and to Ministry

of Trade, investment and Tourism the address more the problems of the

attractions in terms of financial, this way the development of these attractions

would be better.

6. The LGU to address the concerns of their local business owners and

their motorbike drivers, since they are also part of the economic boom of the city.

7. For the Barangay to have a more active participation in the promotion of

the tourism attractions, this will help in boosting the tourism as well as to provide

more job opportunities to their residents.

8. For the LGU to boost the marketing strategies by having tourism official

website to showcase the culture and tourist attraction of the city, so that the local

and foreign tourist will see what are the tourism of cotabato city has to offer.

9. For the LGU must allocate a budget to the I.T development of the

tourism website and to other marketing strategies of the city tourism such as

magazine, pamphlets and other mode of advertisement. Then shall be more

active in all the social media accounts and other marketing strategies the LGU

uses to showcase the cotabato city tourism and culture, and to dispel the

misconception of the city in terms of peace and order.

 84

10. The problems perceived by the city tourism and barangays are the

peace and order. The LGU and PNP must address this problems by patrolling or

by build a outpost in timako roads where are always cases of drag racing

resulting in accidents and to avoid other crime. Also patrolling the other tourist

attraction of the city.

11. for the City tourism to renew their tourism code fast to catch up to the

deadline of tourism development plan.

12. it is recommended to conduct a quarterly assessment on the efficiency

of the tourism development programs by means of survey. This will enable the

monitoring of the progress of the city tourism and also address the reoccurring

problem that lies within it.

13. The study also presented the demand on monetary assistance, hence,

the researcher recommend conducting a study on the causes of these demand

by fully assessing the vendors, and the customers. This will enable to see the

direct demands of the people that are coming in to these tourism attractions and

would also help formulate a way to produce funding.

14. It is also best to conduct a study that will also focus on the visitors and

see what are the things that are needed to be improved by these tourism

attractions and to identify a more persuasive approach in marketing the said

tourism attractions. It will also aid in creating a more effective way to clear off the

prejudice of other people to the city of Cotabato.

 85

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Webliography

Altin, A., Tecer, S., Tecer, L., Altin, S., & Kahraman, B. F. (2014). Environmental
awareness level of secondary school students: a case study in Balıkesir
(Türkiye). Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 141, 1208-1214. Retrieved
from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042814036313

Adeniyi, O.I. (1995) “Staff training and development” in Ejiogu, A; Achumba, I. Asika
(eds). Reading in Organizational Behaviour in Nigeria, Lagos. Maltho use Press
Ltd, P. 159-167. Retrieved from:
http://ir.library.ui.edu.ng/bitstream/123456789/2583/1/%5b21%5d
%20ui_art_onuka_effects_2012.pdf

Cotabato City Tourism. (2020). Cotabato City Profile, Wikitravel the free travel guide.
Retrieved from: https://wikitravel.org/en/Cotabato_(city)

Fowler, A. (2000). Introduction beyond partnership. Chicago. Retrieved from:

https://opendocs.ids.ac.uk/opendocs/bitstream/handle/20.500.12413/8797/
IDSB_31_3_10.1111-j.1759-5436.2000.mp31003001.x.pdf?sequence=1

Hassan, A. a., Noordin, T. A., & Sulaiman, S. (2010). The status on the level of
environmental awareness in the concept of sustainable development amongst
secondary school students. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2),
1276-1280. Retrieved from: file:///C:/Users/gg/Desktop/1-s2.0-
S1877042810002272-main.pdf

Heuer, H. (1996). Coordination. Handbook of Perception and Action

Volume 2, 1996, Pages 121-180. Retrieved from:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S187458220680006X

Hirschmann, R. (2021) Tourism Industry In Singapore. Retrieved from:

https://www.statista.com/topics/5234/tourism-and-hospitality-in-singapore/
#dossierKeyfigures

Khadaroo, J., Seetanah, B. (2008), “Transport Infrastructure and Tourism Development:

A dynamic gravity model approach”, Tourism Management, Vol. 29, pp. 831-840.
In: Jafari, J., Xiao, H. (eds.), (2016), Encyclopaedia of Tourism, Springer
Reference, Switzerland. Retrieved from:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0261517707001926
 86

Legrand (2016). Sustainable Development, Retrieved: October 12, 2019 from:

http://www.legrand.com/EN/sustainabledevelopment- description_12847.html.

Mellejor, L. (2019).Davao City Expects 2.8 Million Tourist the Year. Retrieved from:
https//www.pna.gov.ph

Punzalan, N. (2020). Crime volume in Cotabato City. Philippine News Agency.

Retrieved From: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032660

Texas Parks and Wildlife. Natural Resources. Texas Parks and Wildlife. Texas.
Retrieved from:
https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/land/programs/tourism/what_is/#:~:text=It%20is
%20tourism%20based%20on,of%20natural%20and%20cultural%20resources.

UNWTO (2014), United Nation World Trade Organization. Sustainable

Development of Tourism. Retrieved October 18, 2019 Retrieved
fromhttp://sdt.unwto.org/content/about-us-5.

UNEP (2013). Negative Economic Impacts of Tourism. United Nations

Environment Programme. Retrieved: October 12, 2019 Retrieved from:
www.unep.org.

Vizconde, A.M.L., Felicen, S.S. (2012). Tourism Industry of Batangas Province,

Philippines: Basis for Improved Tourism Program, International Association
of Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 3(1): 317-334. Retrieved from:
https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=2479

Journals

AZOTE J.T., et al., (2013). Socio-Economic Benefits of the Future Domestic Airport
in the Tourism Industry. San Juan, Batangas, Philippines, Educational
Research International, 2(1):100-105

Briones, D.M.S., et al., (2013). Lucban Specialty Foods as Culinary Attraction.

Quezon Province, Philippines, International Journal in Management and Social
Science, 1(3): 7-14

Buted, D., Ylagan, A. , Mendoza and E. (2014). Promoting the Tourism Industry of
CalataganBatangas,Philippines. Journal of Research in Business and
Management Volume 2 ~ Issue 5 (2014)
 87

Miranda, S.J.M., Reyes, J.O., Tan, A.,Villanueva, L.C., Zara, S.M.F., Banaag, R.R.
(2013). Mangrove Plantation as a Tourist Attraction in San Juan Batangas,
Philippines, International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social
Sciences, 3(8):369-375
Waterton, E. and Watson, S. (2014) The semiotics of heritage tourism Clevedon Hall:
Channel View Publications.

Waterton, E. (2015) ‘Visuality and its affects: Some new directions for Australian
heritage tourism’HistoryCompass13(2): 51-63.

Weiss, R. (1994) Learning from strangers: The art and method of qualitative
interview studies New York: Simon and Schuster.

Yadav, N., Sahu, N. and Sahoo, D. (2016) ‘Sustainable Tourism Management in the
National Chambal Sanctuary, India: Impediments and
Opportunities’International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology
7(5): 177.

Yuksel, F., Bramwell, B., &Yuksel, A. (1999). Stakeholder interviews and tourism
planning at Pamukkale, Turkey. Tourism Management, 20(3), 351-360

Waterton, E. and Watson, S. (2014) the semiotics of heritage tourism Clevedon Hall:
Channel View Publications.

Waterton, E. (2015) ‘Visuality and its affects: Some new directions for Australian
heritage tourism’History Compass 13(2): 51-63.

Weiss, R. (1994) Learning from strangers: The art and method of qualitative
interview studies New York: Simon and Schuster.

Yadav, N., Sahu, N. and Sahoo, D. (2016) ‘Sustainable Tourism Management in the
National Chambal Sanctuary, India: Impediments and Opportunities’International
Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology 7(5): 177.

Yuksel, F., Bramwell, B., &Yuksel, A. (1999). Stakeholder interviews and tourism
planning at Pamukkale, Turkey. Tourism Management, 20(3), 351-360
Waterton, E. and Watson, S. (2014) The semiotics of heritage tourism Clevedon Hall:
Channel View Publications.

Waterton, E. (2015) ‘Visuality and its affects: Some new directions for Australian
heritage tourism’ History Compass 13(2): 51-63.

Weiss, R. (1994) Learning from strangers: The art and method of qualitative
interview studies New York: Simon and Schuster.
 88

Yadav, N., Sahu, N. and Sahoo, D. (2016) ‘Sustainable Tourism Management in the
National Chambal Sanctuary, India: Impediments and Opportunities’
International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology 7(5): 177.

Yuksel, F., Bramwell, B., &Yuksel, A. (1999). Stakeholder interviews and tourism
planning at Pamukkale, Turkey. Tourism Management, 20(3), 351-360.

Other Sources

BIANCHI, R., & STEPHENSON, M.L. (2014). Tourism and Citizenship: Rights,
Freedoms and Responsibilities in the Global Order. London, UK: Routledge.

Conrady, R., & Buck, M. (2011). Trends and issues in global tourism 2011. Berlin,
Germany: Springer-Verlag.

Cotabato City Tourism. (2022). Cotabato City Tourism Attraction, Profile and
History. Brochure.

Department of Tourism. (2011). Philippine national tourism development plan 2011–

2016. Quezon, Philippines: Department of Tourism

Fernández, J., Cárdenas-García, P., & Sánchez-Rivero, M. (2014). Tourism as a tool

for economic development in poor countries. Journal of Travel Research,
62(2), 309–332.
Frondoza N.L (2022). Tourism development Programs of Cotabato City. Cotabato
City Phillipines.

Garcia, R. (2012). Ecotourism in the Island Municipality of Tingloy,Batangas:

Inputs to Tourism Program Development, p. 2, 2012.

Gatdula, D. (2013). Tourism Project Seen to Benefit Poor Inked Today.

Department of Social Welfare, Sustainable Livelihood Program. Blog

Grevsjö, S.andNoorzaei, M. (2014).Sustainable Tourism Development in

Gjirokastra. Programme for Sustainable Development of Tourism

Gonzalez, M. (2016): Cultural Tourism Development in the Philippines: An

Analysis of Challenges and Orientations, Journal of Quality assurance in
Hospitality & Tourism, DOI: 10.1080/1528008X.2015.112719

Nguyen, L. M. (2012). Volunteer Tourism Program Development: The Case of

Vietnam Heritage Travel. Student Thesis, Degree Program in Tourism. University
of Applied Sciences.
 89

Picazo, O. (2015). Green and Gold: Promoting Eco-Adventure and Cultural

Tourism for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth. Philippine Institute for
development Studies

Legal Documents

Ordinance No. 2360, A Comprehensive and Integrated Solid Waste Management Code
of Cotabato City, Series of 2003.

Ordinance No. 4203, An Ordinance Strictly Prohibitng the use, Selling, and Distribution
of Non-Biodegradable Styrofoams as Food and Beverage Containers, and
Prescribing Penalties Thereof Series of 2013.

Resolution No. 6404, A Resolution approving and adopting the implementating rules
and regulations (IRR) of City Ordinance No. 4203, Series of 2013, otherwise
known as an ordinance prohibiting the use, selling and distribution of non-
biodegradable plastics as secondary packaging material and non-biodegradable
Styrofoam as food and beverage containers in the City of Cotabato, and
Prescribing the Penalties for violation thereof, Series of 2018.

Republic Act No. 9003, Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

APPENDIX A
 90

Republic of the Philippines

MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY – MAGUINDANAO
GRADUATESTUDIES
Brgy.Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
College of Public Affairs and Governance
Master of Public Administration

Date:
Name:__________________
Description:__________________
COTABATO CITY

Dear Ms./Mrs/Mr.:
Greetings of Peace!
Presently, the undersigned is conducting a research study entitled “THE
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS IN COTABATO CITY” as a
requirement for the degree of Master of Public Administration at the Mindanao
State University Maguindanao for school year 2021-2022.

In connection with this, Can I request an appointment with you for an

interview about tourism development programs in CotabatoCity.

Rest assured that all information gathered will be treated with utmost
confidentiality.

Hoping for your approval and consideration on this request.

Respectfully yours,
 91

DATU JORDAN ABAS SINSUAT II

Researcher Noted By:
RADZAK A. SAM
DPA.
Research Adviser

APPENDIX B
 92

Nature of Tourism in Cotabato City

Sultan Haji HassanalBolkiah Masjid

The largest mosque in the Philippines, donated by the Sultan of Brunei.

Minarets are 43 meters tall, and domes painted in gold (LGU Brochure 2021)..

Church of the Immaculate Conception of Tamontaka

The oldest church in the city, built in 1872.

Old Cotabato City Hall

Beautiful hundred year old building, located in the main plaza, which

houses a city museum (LGU Brochure 2021)..

People's Palace (New Cotabato City Hall)

long building housing the new city hall, with mixture of Muslim and

Christian architectural styles. In front of the building is a park, with occasional

exhibitions (LGU Brochure 2021)..

Rio Grande

The longest river in Mindanao, passing through different points in the city.

There are occasional boat races (LGU Brochure 2021)..

San PedroColina Hill

Great place for panoramic view of the city, surroundings and the Rio

Grande of Mindanao. At the foot of the hill is Tantawanpark with a golden statue

of Sultan Kudarat, local hero (LGU Brochure 2021)..

Rio Grande de Mindanao

 93

This is the largest river system in the Philippines and the longest in the

whole Mindanao region. With the estimated long of 182 kilometers and 96 meters

wide, this river is crisscrossing the whole area of the city (LGU Brochure 2021)..

KutangBato Caves

This is the only cave in the country that is situated in the heart of the city

(LGU Brochure 2021)..

Sultan Haji HassanalBolkiah Masjid

This is the largest mosque in the Philippines, it is also named as Grand

Mosque of Cotabato (LGU Brochure 2021)..

Tantawan Park

A monument to Sultan DitapuanKudarat at the foot of the colorful houses

in Pedro Colina Hill. Sultan Kudarat is the 7th ruler of the Maguindanao Sultanate

was instrumental in the expansion and rise of the Sultanate and feared by the

Spanish colonizers (LGU Brochure 2021)..

The Church of the Immaculate Concepcion Tamontaka

Tamontaka Church was the center of Jesuit evangelization in the late 19th

century and the original structure was built in 1872 along the banks of the

TamontakaRiver(LGU Brochure 2021)..

Old Cotabato City Hall Museum

The old Cotabato City Hall was designed by National Artist for

Architecture, Juan Arellano and built in the 1940s. It is now a small museum as

well as visitor information center of the city(LGU Brochure 2021)..

Old Historic Cotabato Empire Capitol

 94

Even before Cotabato City was already been a capital town and trading

during the former regional governance under cotabato empire template:Disputed

inline formerly known as cotabato region, recently it is now called

SOCCSARGEN region as some provinces join with BARMM (LGU Brochure

2021).CotabatoEmpireTemplate:Disputed inline formerly known as Cotabato

Region, recently it is now called SOCCSARGEN Region as some provinces join

with BARMM (LGU Brochure 2021).

Takumi Butai Memorial Shrine

A shrine in honor of a Japanese Provincial Commander Takumi Butai

assigned in CotabatoCity(LGU Brochure 2021)..

 95

APPENDIX C

CITY TOURISM INTERVIEW GUIDE

PART I. DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

General Instruction: Supply the needed information. Please answer the

questions as honestly as possible and check the needed information.

1. Name: ___________________________________________________

2. Occupation: ______________________________________________

3. Department: ______________________________________________

PART II. DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR TOURISM INDUTRY IN

COTABATO CITY.

1. Does the LGU have Tourism Development Programs in cotabato city for

environmental awareness, natural resources and cultural diversity?

Q1. What are the tourism programs of the LGU about Environmental

awareness?

Q1a. Have you established partnership with CENRO? If yes

Q1b. What is the nature of your partnership?

Q1c. Does your partnership with CENRO also include the cleaning of

Tourist spots? If yes

Q1d. What are the process?

Q1e. How many times do the LGU conduct those programs in a year?

Q1f. How do you solve the problem of garbage that causes water

pollution?
 96

Q1g. Is there a specific programs focused on the cleanliness of the tourist

spots?

Q1. How about in natural resources, what are the programs?

Q1a. How do you preserve and protect the natural resources in Cotabato

city?

Q1b. What are the natural attractions in Cotabato city?

Q1c. Among the mentioned natural attractions what are the most famous

and often time visited in Cotabato City?

Q1D. Among the mentioned natural resources in Cotabato City, which do

you think needs development?

Q1e. Which natural attractions in the city you considered less attractive?

Q1. What are the programs of the LGU in cultural diversity?

Q1a. What are the most popular cultural attractions visited in Cotabato

City?

Q1b. What are the most popular historical sites in Cotabato City?

Q1c. What are the major cultural events in Cotabato City?

Q1d. What year were these festival started?

Q1e. How was the mention major cultural events formed?

Q1. How long had these programs on environmental awareness, natural

resource and cultural diversity had were implemented in the city?

 97

Q2. How effective are the tourism development programs in cotabato city

in terms of:

Q2. Attracting local tourist?

Q2a. Who were those groups of local tourists who visited Cotabato City?

Q2b. In what year did the Cotabato City registered the highest tourist

visitation?

Q2. Attracting foreign tourist?

Q2a. Who were those groups of foreign tourists who visited Cotabato

City?

Q2b. What year did the Cotabato City registered the highest foreign tourist

visitation?

Q2. Physical development?

Q2a. What are the top 5 most popular tourist attractions in Cotabato City?

Q2b. Which of these Tourist attractions were accredited by the

Department Of Tourism?

Q2c. Which tourist attractions you think needs improvement?

Q2. Attracting local business?

Q2a. What businesses were stablished around the tourist attraction?

Q2b. Are these businesses gaining profits? If yes why?

Q2. Diverse employment opportunity?

Q2a. Are these jobs generated due to tourist attractions?

Q2b. What are these jobs are generated due to tourist attraction?
 98

Q3. Does the LGU have marketing strategies in promoting the tourism

industry of cotabato city?

Q3a. What are the marketing does the LGU use?

Q3b. Among these strategies which are the least effective which need

further improvement?

Q3c. Who are your target audience for your marketing strategies?

Q3d. Are you getting satisfactory response using these methods?

Q3e. If yes, can you describe them?

Q3f. By experience which of these marketing strategies are most

effective?

Q3g. How effective is social media in tourism marketing?

Q3h. Aside from maximizing social media platforms what are your other

means of promoting Cotabato City tourism Industry?

Q3i. Do you have partnership with other local organization and private

institutions in achieving this goal?

Q3j. Do you use print media services for marketing?

Q3k. What are those?

Q3l. What do you think will be your tourism marketing methods, to further

enhance the tourism industry in the city?

Q3m. Does the LGU engage in market research to study consumer needs

and wants?

Q3n. If yes, what are those

 99

Q4. What are the challenges encountered by the LGU in promoting the

tourism programs in the city?

Q4a. Do you have issues/problems and challenges encountered for the

development of tourist industry in the city?

Q4b. If yes, what are those?

Q4B. Please rate them according the degree of seriousness, where 1-

very serious and 10 less serious.

5. What policies and recommendation of the LGU in order to address the

issues/problems and challenges encountered in promoting the tourism

programs in the city?

 100

APPENDIX D

BARANGAY INTERVIEW GUIDE

Q1. What would you say about the tourist attraction surrounding your

baranggay?

Q2. What are your programs about environmental awareness of the tourist

attractions in your area?

Q3. How will you deals the garbage that cause water pollution in Bay walk and in

Timako Ports?

Q4. How will you deal with the tourist that throwing garbage in the tourist

attraction?

Q5. Does the baranggay have a security in the area of tourist attraction in order

to guard the tourist who throwing garbage anywhere and in order to protect the

tourist?

Q6. It is challenges to your baranggay to maintain the 3 tourist attraction that are

located in your baranggay?

Q7. If yes, what are those challenges?

Q8. Does the baranggay received supports from the LGU in order to maintain all

the tourist attraction that are located in your baranggay?

Q9. If yes, what kinds of supports that the baranggay received from the

LGU?

Q10. How these programs and supports from the LGU will help all the tourist

attractions.
 101

Q11. If not, what would you think is the most important programs that will

you ask in the LGU?

Q12. How these programs will helps the development of the tourist attractions?

Q13. How these 3 tourist attraction helps the baranggay?

Q14. Does these tourist attraction generates income and revenue?

Q15. Those these tourist attraction is the reason why the businesses surrounding

the attractions built?

Q16. What are those businesses?

Q17. Does these attractions generates jobs in local people?

Q18. If yes, what are those jobs that created?

Q19. Do you have a regulation on the businesses surrounding the tourist

attractions in order to avoid the garbage?

Q20. Last question, what do you think on the tourist attractions in your area?

APPENDIX E
 102

GRAND MOSQUE INTERVIEW GUIDE

Q1. How long have you been a imaam?

Q2. Before you become a imaam of this mosque what are your past job and

where are you from?

Q3. Who was the first imaam of this mosque?

Q4. How many of you have been a imam here?

Q5. On what time does a tourist comes?

Q6. On what day and time are most visitors come here?

Q7. Is there a specific time does management will accommodate the tourist?

Q8. In your observation what types of tourist visited here?

Q9. Every time there are important days in islam do you cater and allow the

believer of islam to pray here?

Q10. Do you follows the health protocol?

Q11. Are you limiting those who pray and visit the mosque?

Q12. Do you practice social distancing every prayer time?

Q13. In your observation, is there many people come here?

Q14. What day and time are the most visitors here?

Q15. In your observation what types of tourist visits the mosque?

Q16. Do you have restriction before entering the mosque?

Q17. What are those restriction? Especially in our brothers and sister in chirstian.

Q18. Do you allow prenup photo shoot inside the mosque?

 103

Q19. Do you receive supports from the LGU of Cotabato City to Maintain the

mosque?

Q20. If yes, what are those supports do you received from the LGU?

Q21. If not, what would you ask from the LGU?

Q22. What is the most important supports that the mosque needs?

Q23. Do you receive support from the Baranggay Officials?

Q24. If yes, what are the supports do you receive?

Q25. Every time the management of the mosque needs the helps of the LGU and

the Baranggay official they will response?

Q26. What usually support do you ask from the LGU and to the Baranggay

official?

Q27. Did anyone help you from the private sector?

Q28. What kind of help do you received from the private sector?
 104

APPENDIX F

INTERVIEW GUIDE ON LOCAL BUSINESS

Q1. What is your business?

Q2. How long is your business?

Q3. What are the most ordered on your menu?

Q4. What makes it special why your customer likes it?

Q5. Do you use marketing strategies in order to promote your business?

Q6. If yes, what marketing strategy do you use?

Q7. Do you have a website?

Q8. Is your business registered in the LGU of Cotabato City?

Q9. What is the reason why you set up a business here?

Q10. Does this tourist attraction help your business a lot?

Q11. If there a chance that this tourist attraction will go close, will it have a big

impact in your business?

Q12. In your experience what time does the tourist visits here?

Q13. In that time is your business open?

Q4. What day is your business operates?

Q15. What day and time do most people visited here?

Q16. In that day it generates a biggest income in your business?

Q17. What kind of tourist do you see and coming in your business?

Q18. What average does your groups of tourist spends in your business?

Q19. Until what time does the tourist will leave your establishment?
 105

Q120. So it depends on the tourist before you close? Or is there a specific time

does your business close?

Q21. Is your business follows the health protocol?

Q22. Do you receive support in the LGU of Cotabato City in your business?

Q23. If yes, what kind of support do you received?

Q25. If not, Do you wish that there’s a program that will help and support the

local business in Cotabato City?

Q26. For you what kind of program that the LGU will create?

Q27. How these program will help your business?

 106

APPENDIX G

MOTOR BIKES INTERVIEW GUIDE

Q1. What is your name?

Q2. Age?

Q3. Status?

Q4. You have been a driver since the first attraction was built here?

Q5. If yes, what was your first one you use at work?

Q6. What you use now in your work?

Q7. How long have you been a driver?

Q8. Before you became a driver, what was your first job?

Q9. What is the reason why you became a payong-payong driver? It is because

of the tourist attraction?

Q10. If you have a passenger how much it will cost to go in Bay walk, Timako

hills, Timako Port and in grand mosque? Or do you have to contract them?

Q11. Based on your past passenger what destination that they always go?

Q12. What kind of passenger have you encountered? It is youth or family?

Q13. For you what is the famous destination in your area?

Q14. When passengers ask you about the tourist attraction what tourist attraction

will you take them?

Q15. Why will you recommend that?

Q16. On what day and time do you have the most passengers?
 107

Q17. Did the tourist attractions in your area help you a lot in your job? If yes

why?

Q18. In what way?

Q19. What if these tourist attractions in your are closed, will this have a big

impact on your work?

Q20. If yes, why?

Q22. Do you receive a support from the LGU of Cotabato City?

Q23. If yes, what kind of support do you received?

Q25. If not, Do you wish that there’s a program that will help and support your

organization in Cotabato City?

Q26. For you what kind of program that the LGU will create in order to help your

organization?

Q27. How these program will help your business?