Viado strengthens BI-LGU partnership in Siargao, rolls out immigration capacity building program

Siargao Island – Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Viado returned to Siargao this week to strengthen the Bureau’s partnership with local government units, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), law enforcement agencies, and tourism stakeholders as part of the government’s continuing efforts to promote responsible tourism, enhance public safety, and ensure compliance with Philippine immigration laws.

The visit builds on the Bureau’s earlier initiatives to strengthen its presence in Siargao, which have resulted in closer coordination among government agencies, improved information sharing, and more effective monitoring and reporting of possible immigration violations.

“We have seen encouraging results from the stronger partnership between the BI, our LGUs, law enforcement agencies, and the community. Our next step is to institutionalize this cooperation so it becomes a sustainable part of protecting Siargao, its residents, and its visitors,” Viado said.

As part of the Commissioner’s commitment during his earlier visit, BI personnel will begin conducting capability-building seminars this month for LGUs, tourism officers, barangay officials, law enforcement agencies, and other frontline partners.

The program will cover Philippine immigration laws, proper case referral procedures, the identification of potential immigration violations, and effective inter-agency coordination.

“The best enforcement begins with informed and capable partners. By equipping our local stakeholders with a better understanding of immigration laws and procedures, we are building a stronger, community-based enforcement network that promotes responsible tourism while protecting both our communities and legitimate foreign visitors,” Viado said.

The Commissioner said the initiative reflects the Bureau’s commitment to empowering local stakeholders, ensuring that immigration concerns are addressed promptly through proper coordination while maintaining Siargao as a safe, orderly, and welcoming destination.

During the meeting, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao proposed closer coordination between the LTO and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to strengthen compliance with Philippine traffic laws among foreign nationals in Siargao.

The initiative seeks to address traffic violations committed by foreign motorists, including driving without valid licenses, reckless driving, driving under the influence, and other dangerous road offenses which have been linked to serious road accidents and public safety concerns.

Through proper case referrals and information sharing, the LTO and BI aim to ensure that foreign nationals who repeatedly violate Philippine laws are dealt with under the appropriate legal and immigration processes while helping keep Siargao’s roads safe for residents and visitors alike.

Viado welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that it complements the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination with local governments and partner agencies.

“We commend the LTO for this proactive initiative. Traffic law enforcement remains under the LTO’s mandate, while the Bureau of Immigration will provide support whenever violations committed by foreign nationals may warrant action under our immigration laws. Through closer coordination, we can better protect our communities while ensuring that Siargao remains safe, orderly, and welcoming for responsible visitors,” Viado said.

Viado stressed that the Bureau remains committed to fair, professional, and non-discriminatory enforcement of immigration laws.

“Kilala tayong mga Pilipino sa init ng pagtanggap at pagiging magiliw sa ating mga panauhin. Nais nating manatiling bukas ang Siargao at ang buong Pilipinas sa mga dayuhang bumibisita, namumuhunan, at gumagalang sa ating mga batas, kultura, at pamayanan.

Ang mga hakbang na ito ay hindi upang hadlangan ang turismo, kundi upang matiyak na ligtas, maayos, at kasiya-siya ang karanasan ng bawat isa, maging Pilipino man o dayuhang bisita. Sama-sama nating pinangangalagaan ang kaayusan, kaligtasan, at kagandahan ng Siargao,” Viado concluded.