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Post-SONA Forum unlocks tourism potential of Dapitan City

DAPITAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, July 31 (PIA) – In a resounding effort to renew the tourism industry and unlock the full potential of Dapitan City, a Post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) Forum was held in Dapitan City Government Center on July 27.

The event brought together government officials, tourism stakeholders, and industry experts to listen and strategize a path for the city's tourism revival. The forum was a timely response to the nationwide call for revitalizing the tourism sector after it took a significant hit due to the global pandemic. Dapitan City, known for its historical significance as the place where national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled, holds immense untapped potential for both domestic and international visitors.

The Post-SONA Forum is initiated by the Presidential Communications Office and Philippine Information Agency in partnership with different national government agencies to highlight this year’s efforts of the administration in terms of tourism. Dapitan City was chosen to be the only city in the entire Mindanao to conduct the forum. 

Dapitan City was chosen for its unique characteristic in terms of tourism promotion highlighting its heritage where tourists can go back in time and experience the history of our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal. 

“This is part of the government’s attempt to promote not only local tourism but local development. We’re going around the country to inform the public of the Marcos’ administration programs and projects and talk with the people to find their needs for the government to address their concerns,” PIA Director-General Jose Torres Jr. emphasized.

The keynote speaker, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, also emphasized the importance of leveraging Dapitan's rich history and natural attractions to entice tourists. 

PIA Director-General shares the rationale of the Post-SONA Forum in Dapitan City.
DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar together with Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick Jalosjos serve as speakers during the Post-SONA Forum.

“I’m very, very happy of this initiative being done by the government, that it be done here in Dapitan. Now they know what we have in Dapitan and Zamboanga del Norte, and what we can actually offer in the entire region and the entire Mindanao,” she declared.

One of the primary focuses of the discussions is infrastructure development and improving connectivity to the city. Attendees highlighted the need to upgrade transportation facilities and build better road networks, making it easier for tourists to access the area. Additional discussions involved the possibility of expanding the nearby airport to accommodate more direct flights from key cities in the country.

Furthermore, the Post-SONA Forum addressed the promotion of Dapitan City's tourism through digital platforms and social media.  Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick Jalosjos expressed his optimism in revitalizing tourism in their city, “this is one way of presenting to everyone that we mean business and we’re very serious when it comes to tourism here in this part of Mindanao,” he said.

The journey to unlock the city's tourism potential continues, and all eyes are now on the developments that will shape the future of this historically rich and naturally blessed destination. (RVC/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

One of the tourism stakeholders shares concerns on tourism in their municipality in Zamboanga del Norte during the open forum.

About the Author

Myra Cel Espinosa

Information Officer III

Region 9

Myra Espinosa is an Information Officer of the Philippine Information Agency Region IX.  She writes news and feature stories for the agency's website and social media platforms. She is currently the program host of Kapihan na Zamboanga Public Briefing, as well as a news contributor for PTV News. She holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration Major in Organization and Management from Western Mindanao State University.

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