Wednesday, January 18, 2006
ATF ministers grace Davao Norte-hosted dinner
SAMAL, Davao del Norte -- Bright pastel-hued flaglets, cultural dances, native songs, local culinary delights, all these capped with warm hospitality marked Sunday's dinner hosting of the province of Davao del Norte for the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) delegates and ministers.
Governor Gelacio Gementiza and Vice Governor Anthony del Rosario along with municipal and city mayors of the province took the lead in extending warm welcome to the visitors.
Ministers and key tourism officials of Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia, Brunei, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Republic of Korea, Myanmar, China, Japan, Spain and the Philippines joined local government officials in a sumptuous dinner at Malipano Island Resort just across Pearl Farm Beach Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal.
Asean officials, national tourism organization leaders, buyers and sellers of tourist destinations were also among those who rubbed elbows with provincial heads of offices and local leaders.
During the dinner program, Gementiza noted the visit as a "manifestation of your confidence to the relative peace and order condition in the Davao Region and in the province of Davao del Norte."
He encouraged visitors to take a look at the favorable conditions and tourism potentials of Davao del Norte.
"Take advantage and set up long-term investments in Davao del Norte, he said.
In highlighting tourist attractions, Gementiza said the province "is endowed with a good share of spectacular natural resources."
Other than the long stretch of white sand beaches of the Island Garden City of Samal, he said Davao del Norte has nature's grandeur like waterfalls, springs, caves, mountain resorts, and other scenic-eco tourism spots.
Agriculture is among the strength of Davao del Norte as it is blessed with "rich fertile soil" and is within a typhoon-free belt with ample rainfall suitable for high value crops.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (January 18, 2006 issue)
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