DOT sets aside P1.5 B for Davao tourism infra projects

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) has set aside P1.5 billion to finance tourism infrastructure projects in the Davao region.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said among the projects to be funded is a road improvement project connecting the foot of Mt. Apo in Davao del Sur to Davao City.

 â€œAs significant reforms in aviation such as the removal of the common carriers tax and the upgrade to Category 1 by the US Federal Aviation Authority, we must carry on with our reforms to improve accessibility, product development and enhancement, marketing, and human resource development in order to maximize our tourism potential – more importantly to increase employment and business opportunities for our communities,” Jimenez said.

Meanwhile, Jimenez said the third international installment of the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge was recently held in Davao to raise tourism activity and awareness for the environmental protection of the Philippines’ highest peak. 

The competition brought foreign and domestic participants to cover 113.3 kilometers in four different activities: 47.8 km of biking, 50 km of trekking, 3.5 km of water tubing, and 12 km of road running – all in 24 hours.

Regular hikers usually take two days to climb the peak of Mt. Apo and one day to descend.

The race served as the highlight of the annual Pista sa Kinaiyahan or Feast of Nature, a municipal festival in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Sta. Cruz is one of the entry points to climb the highest peak in the Philippines which boasts of sound environmental practices.

DOT Region XI director Arturo Boncato said there is a growing awareness to protect and save Mt. Apo.

 â€œThe Davao region’s brand promise of from islands to highlands can only be true if there is protection of the environment. The ‘highlands’ part of the brand promise refers mostly to Mt. Apo which is home to Davao’s most iconic symbols – the Philippine Eagle, waling-waling, and durian,” Boncato said.

“Protecting the environment is central to our ecotourism campaign with flora and fauna as the main draw for some visitors,” Jimenez added.

“It is imperative that government, civil society, and industry share the responsibility to protect those that are unique to our country. The Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is a fun way to heighten environmental consciousness among locals and for our foreign participants to enjoy the natural endowments of the area,” the DOT chief said.