AS DAVAO City continues to become the home for events and gatherings, the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) is planning to require event organizers to get a license and business permit to operate regardless of event scope and coverage.
Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) head Generose Tecson said that this requirement is part of the city’s Tourism Master Plan and will ensure security to those who will avail of their services.
“Gusto namin i-ensure na magkaroon ng licenses and business permits and iba-ibang mga sector ng industry,” Tecson said in a phone interview with SunStar Davao Thursday, February 21.
“Dito sa Davao, ang dami-dami nang mga special events organizers, andami na din ng reklamo so we want to ensure na mayroon silang business permit,” she said.
Tecson added that in the Tourism Code of the city, event organizers are classified into three types.
The first type is the special events organizers who organize local events such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays, among others.
Professional event organizer focuses on bigger events such as city-wide competitions, while professional convention organizer deals on national or international conventions in the city.
“Lahat sila, regardless of what type of event ang i-organize, required to get a business permit kasi they represent themselves as organizers,” she said.
Meanwhile, Davao City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) chief Erwin Alparaque said that event organizers getting a business permit and license to operate is not just a necessity but a requirement by law.
“It is not just necessary, it is required by law and our local ordinance that all who are doing businesses in Davao City shall have to secure mayor’s permit and pay taxes and other related fees to the local government unit (LGUs),” he said.