Davao Norte eyed as educational tourism hub

TAGUM CITY -- The province of Davao del Norte is being eyed as the next educational tourism hub in Davao Region, with the launch of a local academy run by the provincial government.

Philippine Councilors League-Legislative Academy (PCL-LA) executive director Hilario Caminero said the emerging potential of the province for this type of tourism upon the inauguration of the Davao del Norte Learning Institute (DNLI).

Caminero, who conceived the highly specialized learning system that now allows public servants around the country to earn college degrees through the PCL-LA, hailed Governor Rodolfo del Rosario for initiating the Capitol institute.

He said the province has become an alternative educational destination for local government officials and employees and barangay functionaries, both within and outside the Davao Region.

"DNLI will also cater to the needs of employees of the local government units in other provinces both in and outside the Davao Region," the Kapalong councilor said, after signing the tripartite agreement marking the start of the academy.

Caminero on Monday joined Gov. del Rosario and Dr. Jonathan Bayogan, President of the Davao del Norte State College, in signing the memorandum of agreement forged between the three entities for the operation of the institute.

Del Rosario saw the great potential of the partnership in providing college education to undergraduate Capitol employees, including health workers, daycare workers and barangay captains.

He even opened the door for the special baccalaureate programs of the academy to disaster response and sports officers in various communities.