MAYOR Michelle N. Rabat of the City of Mati went personally to the Department of Education to hand over one million pesos as support for the sports activities of the Department. There she recalled how Mati was and how it was with my father.
I grew up in Mati and spent my first few years inside Menzi Plantation, my first home and memory of a paradise-like haven.
Mayor Michelle recalled how Tito Popoy, my father, shared the secret of the sweetest pomelo in the country with his father, Governor and Mayor Paking Rabat.
That was four decades ago.
I saw the first runway where Gen. Hans Menzi, the owner of Manila Bulletin, would take off and touch down his private plane.
The runway was so visible and beautiful that at my young age, I thought of it as the enormous playing field I ever saw. Mati was yet a municipality in Davao Oriental then.
But Mati was already known with the governance of the Rabats specifically Francisco or Paking, its pristine Dahican beach, and the home of the sweetest citrus fruits pomelo, Orange Sunkist, king mandarin, grapefruit - and mangoes and grapes.
They were so abundant and fresh that I cannot imagine a place like it until now. It was many years ago. Now, Mati, proclaimed as a city in 2007, is governed by his only daughter, Michelle.
She inherited the heart of public service of Tito Paking, as we called him, and the beautiful face of both her parents. Her mom was Miss Philippines in 1965.
I can vividly remember her moms beautiful face and elegant manners. Mayor Michelles parents were great friends of my parents.
Now, Mati is known for its tourist destinations. It has prepared itself for tourism arrivals. It has so much to offer for guests to wander, enjoy, and explore.
Dahican Beach is still number one on my list. I always thought that the pure white sand is finer than Boracays. The crystal blue water where one can enjoy surfing is more exciting.
The place isnt crowded with bars so you can enjoy discerning while sitting on the sand wondering about where your situation in life has taken you.
Theres a promising island hopping to Oak, Pujada, and Waniban. It surely is a breathtaking experience. These are just the many famous attractions in the City of Mati. I have not known a single person who has never appreciated the place.
So, it is time for the city to officially open its runway again. This time, open to all possible airlines. If Siargao and Caticlan have airports, it will be just as promising in Mati too.
The nearest airport is Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City, and it will take a three-hour drive yet. If an official airport with official flights will be available, it will be accessible for all to discover the whole province of Davao Oriental.
The province is known for Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, known as the highest falls in the country, and the other stunning beaches, waterfalls, and mangrove sites.
With an airport, we are allowing people from all over the country to discover the southeastern part of Mindanao.
Let us have an airport in the City of Mati. The runway is already there. We just need to improve it by following the standards and it surely can change lives.
Mati is the home of the kindest people. It is also the home of the beautiful Mandaya tribe, and I am proud to belong to the Mandaya heritage.