ILOCOS SUR, Philippines — The Department of Tourist Region 1,  in partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur  and the Philippine National Police Ilocos Sur formalized its commitment to strengthening tourism safety and security through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment of a dedicated Tourist Police Unit (TPU) in Ilocos Sur on July 7.

The initiative forms part of DOT Region I’s continuing efforts to ensure safe, secure, and visitor-friendly destinations across the region.

The Tourist Police Unit will strengthen police visibility in key tourism sites, provide immediate assistance to visitors, and help maintain peace and order in host communities, contributing to a more positive and secure tourism experience.

The MOA was signed by DOT Region I Regional Director Benjamin “Bingo” D. Manahan Jr., Ilocos Sur Governor Hon. Jerry Singson, PNP Regional Director PBGen Jovencio Badua Jr., and Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Director PCOL Agosto Asuncion.

Joining the ceremony were DOT Region I Assistant Regional Director Evangeline M. Dadat, along with Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Janina Carine Medina-Fariñas, Francisco Arturo Ranches III, and Art Constantine Oandasan.

Through strong partnerships with local government units and the Philippine National Police, DOT Region I continues to enhance tourist safety and promote sustainable tourism development across the Ilocos and Pangasinan Region.