Monday, July 23, 2007 Tourism dep’t to give T'nalak fest international exposure
KORONADAL CITY -- From Mindanao to the world.
South Cotabato's T'nalak festival will be given international exposure starting next year in a bid to draw foreign tourists to the province, Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano announced here Wednesday before an estimated crowd of 20,000.
The announcement of Durano, guest at the province's 41st foundation anniversary, drew wild applause from local government officials and the crowd watching the street dancing and showdown competition at the jam-packed South Cotabato Sport Complex.
Dubbed Madal Be'lan, Kadsagayan A Lalan and Kasadyahan sa Kapatagan Street Dancing, it forms part of the weeklong celebration of the 8th T'nalak Festival.
"It's about time to take South Cotabato to the international tourism circuit," Durano said.
He said the tourism agency would like to promote T'nalak festival like what it did to Davao City's Kadayawan festival.
South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes welcomed the announcement of Durano as she called on the constituents to fully support the effort to make the province known worldwide.
Last year, Durano said the Tourism department pushed Kadayawan in international tourism fairs that resulted to increase foreign visitor arrivals in Davao City.
Since March this year, he noted there have been three flights a week from South Korea and Hong Kong straight to Davao.
Durano claimed that at least 500 foreign visitors come every week to Davao City, Mindanao's premier economic hub, due to the massive international promotions of the agency.
"They came to Davao because of the casinos and golfing," the secretary said.
Durano reported that foreign visitors' in the country reached 1.9 million in 2004 and the target for this year is three million.
By including South Cotabato in international tourism promotions, Durano said it will allow foreigners expanded tourism experience or destinations in Mindanao.
To prop up South Cotabato, he cited its tourism attraction such as the Mt. Matutum, Lake Sebu town and the golf course in Kalsangi district in Polomolok town.
Mt. Matutum is the province's land mark peak, ideal for nature tripping or trekking; Lake Sebu has scenic lakes, waterfalls and where the T'nalak cloth is woven by native women, while the Kalsangi golf course sits within the pineapple plantation of giant Dole Philippines, Inc.
Durano also cited the rich cultural heritage of the province, particularly the T'boli tribe.
"These are the things that foreign tourists look for," he asserted.
Durano said the Tourism department plans to popularize South Cotabato in the international tourism circuit by bringing cultural dancers.
He promised that the agency will shoulder the bulk of expenses in bringing the "ambassadors of tourism" in tourism affairs in other countries. (BSS)
