You must have seen those policemen in uniform, albeit in short pants, riding bicycles along the Rizal Boulevard. They’re the City’s tourist cops. They patrol the streets to be of help primarily to tourists who frequent the area.
The concept of having a unit solely for tourists has taken off from the Department of Tourism. Negros Oriental has been identified as one of 14 provinces in the Philippines which is ideal for tourism, and so part of the government’s thrust is to field these policemen to make tourists feel more secure.
Dumaguete, of course, is still a very peaceful place. It enjoys a low crime rate, and you can see tourists go bar-hopping at night as they explore other parts of the City.
It is not surprising why many tourists end up wanting to stay here for good. Apart from the warm weather, Dumaguetenos are known to be friendly people. Dumaguetenos have a laid back lifestyle but you can also get quality medical care and education. You can buy most of what you might want to buy in our many local stores. Most of all, the money of tourists goes a long way here!
Tourism means money. Tourism means jobs. If we keep the (good) tourists happy, they will spend their money here. Part of making them happy is to make them feel secure.
That is why this Tourist Police program is a very worthwhile investment.