‘Our tourism areas should be protected; harmful labeling, red-tagging must not be used without evidence’ – BM Lammawin (Kalinga SP Committee of Tourism Chairperson)

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Tourism Chairperson and Board Member Camilo T. Lammawin emphasized the need to protect the province’s tourism sector from baseless allegations and harmful labeling that could undermine its growth and reputation during a committee meeting held on March 18 at the Session Hall, Capitol Hills in Bulanao.

The matter was raised amid the long-standing issue of red-tagging affecting tourism-related activities in the province. During the meeting, Lammawin addressed concerns that some individuals allegedly report or associate tourism initiatives with insurgent groups without sufficient evidence.

Lammawin stressed that such claims place the tourism industry in a vulnerable position, particularly when destinations are falsely portrayed as areas of insurgent activity. He added that no accusations should be made unless supported by concrete information.

“…sometimes in our activities among our community—adda dagidiay gamin nga agi-report ket i-relate da ngay kadagiti activities ti maka-kanigid or the rebels we call. So of course, tourism is very vulnerable; ket in case nga ibaga dan tu nga dagitoy tourism sites tayo ket isu mapmapanan ti NPA—pagmit-meeting-an da, there should be protection. Awan kuma mangike-claim ti kasta not unless there is concrete evidence nga adda talaga mapaspasamak idiay nga tourism areas,” he said.

The committee chair also noted that irresponsible reporting can discourage visitors and negatively impact local livelihoods. He highlighted that while tourism programs in Kalinga continue to be strengthened and expanded, they should not be tainted by negative publicity.

“…nu idiay mismo nga programa tayo, we are already enhancing our activities. Our tourism activities should not be subjected to such negative publicity… haan tayo dapat nga usaren ti turismo para ken dagitoy nga banbanag—we protect them as well from red-tagging,” he added.

Lammawin reiterated that the province must ensure protection from harassment and unfair labeling, particularly for tourism stakeholders and communities that depend on the industry.

Meanwhile, the discussion forms part of the ongoing efforts of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to refine provisions under the proposed Kalinga Agricultural, Cultural, and Environmental (ACE) Tourism Code of 2025, which seeks to include safeguards against red-tagging and other forms of negative labeling, while protecting communities, preserving cultural heritage, and maintaining the integrity of Kalinga’s destinations.