Zamboanga del Sur launches tourism website, tourist police

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – The provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur launched its tourism website as it activated its Tourist Police Unit on Tuesday to boost local tourism and enhance visitor security.

The dual initiatives were formally launched during the World Tourism Day celebration at the Pavilion Hall, Provincial Government Center in Barangay Dao here.

The digital platform, accessible via visitzambosur.com, serves as the first official tourism website in the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9). 

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Gov. Divina Grace Yu said the website functions as a digital gateway showcasing the province’s destinations, travel experiences, local products, and tour packages.

Yu highlighted the growing interest from both domestic and foreign visitors, noting that tourist arrivals in Zamboanga del Sur surpassed one million in 2025.

Dara May Cataluña, Department of Tourism-Region 9 (DOT-9) director, emphasized the digital platform’s crucial role in expanding the province’s visibility to international and local travel markets.

Alongside the digital launch, local officials signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to activate the provincial Tourist Police Unit, aimed at strengthening security measures and support services for travelers and tourism stakeholders.

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The agreement was signed by Yu, Cataluña, and Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) deputy regional director for administration Brig. Gen. Leonard Luna, who represented PRO-9 regional director Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay.

In a statement, Luna reaffirmed the Philippine National Police’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for tourists, noting that the partnership establishes stronger coordination between law enforcement and tourism authorities to maintain the province’s reputation as a secure and welcoming destination.

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Municipal mayors, police chiefs from various municipalities, and representatives from partner government agencies attended the ceremony./coa