FROM a laidback town to a vibrant city, Mati is fast becoming a destination for tourism and business.
On its 11th year as a city, the local government of Mati highlights its rich natural and cultural resources through various activities from June 15 until 19. Mati was declared a city on June 19, 2007.
Activities organized by the LGU include Youth Summit,Agri-Tourism Trade Fair, Pujada Bay Fest Banca Race, Mutya ng Mati 2018, Fantasea by Mati's LGBT community, Scubasurero, thanksgiving mass, and a thanksgiving program by Mayor Carlo Rabat and Vice Mayor Glenda Rabat-Gayta.
One of the celebration's highlights is the Pujada Bay Invasion, first Dragon Boat competition. The competition is in partnership with Visit Davao Summer Festival 2018.
The opening ceremonies of the celebration last Friday, June 15 was graced by Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher "Bong" Go. He was accompanied by his friend, actor Philip Salvador.
In a speech during the opening ceremony, Rabat recognized the efforts of all sectors and groups in the city for making the city what it is today.
He emphasized that he will ensure, under his watch, sustainable progress in the city.
The city vice mayor, and Davao Oriental Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang also imparted messages of support and gratitude for the city's anniversary celebration.
Go, for his part, congratulated the city for winning seals of good governance for two consecutive years.
"Dako na kaayo ang kalahian sa Mati, nakita namo ang efforts sa LGU sa pagpromote sa Mati as a destination (Mati has improved a lot. We saw all the efforts exerted by the LGU to promote the city as a viable destination.)," he said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Rabat said he will support Go if ever the latter runs for senator come 2019 elections. However, the long-time presidential aid refused to confirm his rumored senatorial bid.