Kuyaw diay sa Mindanao?
Consul General’s push to change Japan’s travel warning towards Mindanao failed.
Despite the significant efforts by Consul-General Ishikawa Yoshihisa, Japan travel advisory for Mindanao has not been updated. Ishikawa, speaking at the opening of Fujifilm Philippines new office Davao City on July 23, 2024, reiterated his dedication to changing the current travel advisory.
I’ve been working hard to change the travel advisory. It does not match the true situation here. Davao City is actually one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia!
Consul-General Ishikawa Yoshihisa
While acknowledging that some areas in Mindanao still have safety concerns for travelers, Ishikawa emphasizes that Davao City is notably safer compared to other parts of the region.His efforts, including recent discussions with Japanese officials, have not yet led to a change in the advisory status.
At a special event on February 15, 2024 celebrating the National Day and the 64th birthday of Japanese Emperor Nahurito at SMX Center in Davao City, Ishikawa admitted that Japan’s advisory is more lenient compared to those from countries like US, Canada, Australia, France and the UK.The advisory currently rates all provinces in the Davao Region at Level 2, which advises against non-essential travel.Cities in the region, including Davao City are rated Level 1. Suggesting travelers should exercise extra-caution.
Ishikawa noted that the high advisory level stems from widespread perceptions that Mindanao is dangerous.However, he reported growing interest from various groups, including potential investors, tourists and students who are eager to explore the opportunities Davao have.
In his New Year’s message, Ishikawa expressed his commitment to lowering the travel advisory and strengthening Japan-Mindanao relations. “My goal is to make it easier for Japanese people to visit Mindanao. I am determined to enhance our connections with Mindanao,” he said. Ishikawa believes that a revised travel advisory would encourage more Japanese businesses, tourists, and students to visit Mindanao, especially Davao City.
Other foreign governments, such as Canada, continue to issue strong warnings about travel to parts of Mindanao. Canada advises its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to several provinces due to concerns about crime and kidnapping.
As Consul General Ishikawa persists in his efforts, he remains hopeful that future changes to the travel advisory will more accurately reflect the safety of Mindanao and attract more Japanese interest.
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