BY IVY TEJANO
DAVAO CITY – The city government reported an increase in tourist arrivals here last year with 1,296,928 compared to the 897,406 in 2022.
DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian Duterte poses for a photo prior to his city address. (Photo via Ivy Tejano)
Mayor Sebastian Duterte said in his State-of-the-City Address on Tuesday afternoon, August 6, that tourism here has steadily recovered since the pandemic.
Duterte said the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) supports the local tourism sector and tourism-related establishments.
As of 2023, the CTOO noted that 2,410 tourism establishments and service providers secured their certifications and licenses, a 7.81 percent increase from 1,985 in 2022.
The city also hosted 4,105 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events from June 2023 to May 2024, compared to the 2,156 the previous year.
Duterte cited the Duaw Davao Festival two months ago and the hosting of this year’s Ironman 70.3 competition.
The local Chief Executive lauded the people here for being disciplined. He said that Davao City is a good city because of the good character of its people.
He said the D.C.plinado campaign launched in March contributed to fostering a culture of discipline among citizens.
Duterte noted that the campaign, which was passed and implemented by a city ordinance, was also integrated into the Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao curriculum.
“The success of legislation in the city, such as the smoking ban, liquor ban, and speed limit ordinance, is a testament to the discipline of Davaoeños,” Duterte said.
Duterte urged the people of Davao to continue exercising vigilance and report suspicious activities and concerns to proper government agencies.
Among the highlights of the SOCA were digitalization, peace and order, poverty alleviation, sustainable environment, agriculture and agri-business, infrastructure development, and education.
Duterte cited the crucial role of the people of Davao City in managing solid waste, preserving trees, and protecting animals. He said the city does not support mining activities.
Rep. Paolo Duterte here backed and congratulated his brother, Mayor Duterte, and the people of Davao City for a job well done.
Rep. Duterte accompanied Mayor Duterte from the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall to Rizal Park on San Pedro St. where he delivered his SOCA.
The lawmaker’s son, Omar Vincent Duterte, the chairman of Barangay Buhangin District here, also congratulated the local chief executive and vowed to support the city government.
“I am impressed with our city mayor because, despite the pressure that the city is going through and how busy he is, he consistently prioritized the needs of the people in this city,” Omar said.
Also in attendance during the SOCA were Rep. Duterte’s wife, January, the Barangay Catalunan Grande chieftain, the 11 tribal leaders here, and city council members.
