THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DoT) is holding the first Davao Dive Expo this weekend at the SM Lanang Premier in Davao City, highlighting both well known sites in Samal and new ones in other parts of the region.
“It is our hope that through this initiative, we can further promote our established and emerging dive sites and bring the awareness of this tourism activity to our communities,” said DoT Davao Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan said in a statement.
Among the new dive sites that are being promoted are those in Davao Oriental province, particularly in Mati City and the town of Governor Generoso.
The June 24-26 regional expo, which follows the Samal Dive Festival held in the last week of May, features a daily dive and marine protection forum by respected conservation experts.
“We envision that the staging of the dive expo will create a wider underwater biodiversity appreciation and promote further marine wildlife protection to both tourists and locals,” said Ms. Tan.
There will also be an underwater photo exhibit of various dive sites in the region, pop-up booths for local dive shops, dive destinations, and other allied services.
KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL
Meanwhile, the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City will be held this year with in-person activities after two years of all online events due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tourism and Operations Office Chief Generose D. Tecson said the festival’s executive committee has approved the proposed face-to-face activities.
“They already approved our Kadayawan from August 15 to 21 and the mode of the festival will be face-to-face. The activities were also approved as well as the contest guidelines for some activities like the Indak-Indak, Pamulak, Pitik sa Kadayawan and Sayaw Kadayawan,” Ms. Tecson said over the city-run radio station.
Other highlights include a cultural show featuring the 11 indigenous groups in the city and a sports fest of tribal games.
Ms. Tecson said most of the activities will be held in open spaces but participants and spectators will still be required to follow minimum public health standards such as wearing of face mask. — MSJ
