The province of Ilocos Sur is gearing up for another global exposure as Miss Universe candidates are expected to tour the area on January 15, 2017, according to Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson.
He said that all concerned offices, agencies, and sectors have been activated to help ensure the successful and safe stay of the Miss Universe candidates.
Recently, the organizers and the production staff of the Miss Universe organization visited the province for an ocular inspection of possible sites for photo shoots and pageant activities.
Initially, the towns of Caoayan and Bantay and the historic Heritage Village in Vigan City were tentatively identified as venues to be visited by the candidates.
An earlier preparation was initiated by the provincial government and the Department of Tourism in terms of security by coming up with the Tourism Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection or TOPCOP.
With the TOPCOP program, selected police officers from the different municipalities of Ilocos Sur underwent training on tourism awareness, effective customer service, risk reduction and crisis management and other tourism-related topics and issues.
The Ilocos Sur Provincial Police Office is also establishing 24-hour Tourist Desks in strategically-located points and key tourist destinations in the province.
The lawmen also enhanced police visibility in areas with high tourist movement, especially at night to provide a safe and secure environment.
“We assure the safety of our visitors for our place to become the best place to live in and to attract more tourists,” said Singson.
“It is a great opportunity for the province to have been chosen as one of the destinations of the prestigious Miss Universe pageant this coming year 2017.
We thank the initiative of the LCS Group of companies headed by former Governor Luis Chavit Singson for bringing this event to the province,” Governor Singson added.
He said that the coming of Miss Universe candidates to the province is an indication that Ilocos Sur has a booming tourism industry, which is known internationally because of its natural and heritage significance. (Freddie G. Lazaro/PIA-1)
