DAVAO CITY—The city government here is eyeing to open four eco-tourism destinations in the hinterland districts of Marilog and Paquibato.
Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chairperson City Council Committee on Tourism and International Relations says the opening of the sites to visitors is following the marching orders of Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte to city tourism officials on the need to open more tourism destinations in Davao City.
“The Mayor instructed us, two years ago when he assumed office. When I paid a courtesy visit to him I asked him; mayor what is your plan? What is your marching order for the tourism sector? The mayor said is for us to add more tourism destinations in Davao City,” says Councilor Alejandre during the Aprubado sa Konseho Media Forum.
He said right after their Mayor’s meeting the team which included his office and the City Tourism Operations Office went around the areas of Marilog and Paquibato to look around for natural attractions such as creeks, waterfalls and caves. Alejandre said they have identified and assessed four sites.
“Dili ni siya mga resorts but mga destinations siya (These are not resorts but destinations),” the second district councilor said.
The Councilor is hopeful that the four sites which have been assessed by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), City Engineer’s Office and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will be open to tourists so as to create more destinations for visitors to Davao.
Councilor Alejandre bared that another long-term plan is for a theme park likened to Disneyland Hongkong will be put up in Marilog an area ideal because of its cooler climate.
Alejandre said he has already discussed it with the Mayor and the Mayor is ok with it as long as there is a premium given to the indigenous peoples.
“When you said premium, it means their rightful share,” Alejandre said.
He said the theme park in Marilog is part of the Tourism Development Plan created by Architect Felino Palafox for Davao City. (PIA/RGA)
