DavOr to develop eco-park in Manay’s Diomaboc Lake

BENT on massively promoting the province’s growing tourism industry, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon is set to build more iconic tourist sites in every town to showcase Davao Oriental’s beautifully captivating natural landscapes.

During her meeting on January 17, with the officials of the municipality of Manay, headed by Mayor Jon Marco Dayanghirang, Governor Malanyaon said that she will develop Manay town’s hidden gem—the pristine Diomaboc Lake.

She said her team would develop a design for the proposed eco-park envisioned to become another tourism come-on in the province.

Known as the gateway to the majestic Mount Campalili, frequented by many mountain climbing enthusiasts, Diomaboc Lake is surrounded by breathtaking lush green landscapes and wildlife.

Malanyaon said she is determined to develop the area because of its massive potential for attracting tourists, which will provide additional revenue for the local government but, most importantly, livelihood and income for the locals.

Before returning as the province’s local chief executive, Malanyaon, in her previous term as the first District Representative, successfully channeled funds for the concreting of the 20-kilometer stretch of road from the Road Junction to Barangay Taocanga where the Lake is situated. She said she succeeded in lobbying for the funds as the national government also prioritized road projects leading to tourism sites.

Aside from Diomaboc Lake, Malanyaon is also exploring projects to develop the province’s equally stunning destinations, such as the beautiful waterfalls, including one in Barangay Rizal in Manay town.

She said she hopes to build tourist landmarks in every vital tourist destination in the province to attract more tourists to come.

Malanyaon said she hopes to finish these landmarks, including rehabilitating the province’s existing tourism site, early this year in time for the grand relaunch of the province’s massive tourism campaign.

While the province is expediting efforts to make the province ready to accommodate tourists and investors, Governor Malanyaon also expressed the need to upgrade the province’s utility services, such as water and electrical utilities.

“We are a growing province, and so there is a need also to upgrade our utility services,” said the Governor, who has been talking with local service providers to improve their facilities to better cater to tourists, investors, and residents.

The Governor said her administration would focus this year on programs supporting tourism and agriculture. These programs include the Oplan Karsada, which rehabilitates roads leading to tourism areas and farms to entice farmers to plant crops. The administration will also focus on providing water projects and electrification, especially in hinterland areas.

“There’s a lot to be done. But with your help, we can realize what we have envisioned,” Malanyaon told the officials. DAVOR PIO/KAREN LOU DELOSO