COUNCILOR Al Ryan Alejandre, committee on tourism head, hopes that the ban on inland resort operations in Marilog and Paquibato districts will be lifted in time for the summer season.
Alejandre on Tuesday, April 2, said the amendments to the comprehensive zoning ordinance of the city are being settled to provide a win-win solution for both the affected business establishments and the city government of Davao.
However, once the ordinance will be signed by Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, affected owners would still have to secure a business permit, since the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) and Department of Tourism (DOT) have set specific requirements.
"Welcome development kana sa tourism, especially sa Marilog and Paquibato district, provided na musunod sila sa balaod sa siyudad (It is a welcome development in the tourism, especially in Marilog and Paquibato district, provided that they would comply to the law)," Alejandre said.
In the amended ordinance, inland resorts in Marilog and Paquibato districts will be allowed to use only two percent of their total land area for tourists and will be required to conserve the remaining portion.
The proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance will outline areas for eco-tourism and agro-tourism activities.
“In their 10,000 square meters, only 200 square meters or two percent will be allowed to be developed or to be used for construction of the restaurant, viewing points or convergence of visitors,” Councilor Conrado Baluran said in a previous report.
Alejandre said that excess areas will be used as reforestation sites.
"Required sila mananom og punoan. After three years, balikan sila sa Cenro (City Environment and Natural Resources Office), aron i-assess if nananom ba sila o wala (They are required to plant trees, After three years, Cenro will assess the area if the owners complied or not)," he said.
Alejandre said that non-compliance would lead to revocation of license.
The councilor said that some 30 resort establishments, both from Marilog and Paquibato, are expected to comply with the order.
"Wala kaayo nakaapekto ang closure sa katibuk-an nga tourism sa siyudad, pero daghan trabahante ang naapektuhan (The closure did not have a huge impact on the Davao City tourism. However, many employees were affected)," Alejandre said.
He said that Task Force Marilog will still be continued to ensure that these areas will not be exploited.