Davao Oriental is gearing up for its most anticipated grand tourism campaign as it is now ready to stake a claim on the tourism economy.
Earlier today, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, who currently heads the Provincial Tourism Office, discussed with her team of consultants and key department heads the strategies and interventions needed to help spruce up the province’s tourism industry.
Among these strategies is organizing and creating a Local Tourism Council in all the Local Government Units composed of different stakeholders. The Governor emphasized the need for the stakeholders’ involvement in tourism development to harmonize plans and set tourism standards. “Marami tayong i-impose na standards because we need to start right,” she said.
This involves standards in accommodation services, catering and restaurant services, transport, tour operators, and travel agencies, among many others.
Governor Malanyaon added that while Davao Oriental has countless tourist spots, there is also the need to reorganize the whole industry and foster a tourism culture, which involves espousing positive values and active community engagement.
She said there is a need to inculcate values down to the grassroots level, such as politeness, hospitability, and other positive attributes which are needed by any locality that wants to attract more tourists.
Governor Malanyaon says that the province is also banking on its rich cultural heritage, particularly the Mandaya culture, which is the province’s pride that it can share with the rest of the world.
In support of this, the Governor plans to put up a Mandaya School of Living Tradition through a diorama at the Pusan Point Eco-Park in Caraga town. This will showcase the Mandaya’s rich culture, from the songs and dances to dagmay weaving. “Our culture should be shared with the rest of the world,” said Governor Malanyaon, saying that this will foster a sense of pride and ownership among the members of the Mandaya tribe.
Moreover, to attract more tourists, the Governor encourages communities to engage in other tourism activities, such as showcasing authentic native cuisines and creative giveaways or pasalubong that reflect the province’s culture.
For these to be fully realized, Governor Malanyaon expressed the need for the Indigenous Peoples group to work together for the benefit of all. “We need to set aside our differences and dynamics,” said the Governor, who is set to meet the tribal leaders and prominent IP families to ensure harmony of all efforts in tourism promotion.
Meanwhile, blessed with countless natural wonders, including the Mount Hamiguitan Range and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is Mindanao’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the province of Davao Oriental is frequented by many tourists making it a promising destination.
To fully maximize these potentials, the provincial government plans to promote tourism activities such as bicycle touring, bird watching, surfing, and hiking, among many others.
Currently, the province is rehabilitating and renovating the province’s existing tourism sites in preparation for next year’s massive launch of the Davao Oriental Beautiful campaign. This campaign will involve a caravan showcasing the province’s major tourism sites.
Governor Malanyaon hopes that all stakeholders, including the ordinary folk, will support her vision for tourism as it potentially changes the province’s economic landscape as tourism is poised to generate income and provide jobs and livelihoods to many.
The Governor will present all these plans and vision for tourism at the upcoming Tourism Stakeholders Summit on October 5 as part of her First 100 Days in office. By Karen Lou Deloso | Photos by Mark Oliver Alvite
