Davao del Sur farming town sets sights on tourism industry

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox

Mindanao Bureau Chief

DAVAO CITY—Local officials in Matanao, Davao Del Sur are keen on taking advantage of the town’s untapped natural attraction to start a tourism venture that will complement its farming sector.

M atanao Mayor Vincent Fernandez said the town could not rely solely on agriculture due to periodic droughts and pest infestation, according to a report published by the government-run Philippine Infor- mation Agency. “ We intend to come up with real solutions to poverty here through tourism,” Fernandez said.

He said the local government has conducted trainings to enhance the capability of skilled workers “to improve their capabilities and not to focus on agricultural pursuits.”

T he local chief executive said he is banking on the construction of inns, hotels and restaurants to create more jobs and improve the quality of life of Matanao’s residents. We opened three waterfalls where people may come to bathe, swim in clean and clear water in the barangay before going uphill,” Fernandez said.

He assured visitors that waterfall sites are accessible since most of the barangay roads in town are paved.

Fernandez said the Municipal Tourism Office has also evaluated 69 caves.

“ We opened one cave so far and two caves may be added for spelunking activities. The caves are open to the tourists where they can enjoy the scenery and lagoons therein. They will also see stalactites and stalagmites.”

He said he has invited local and national investors who might want to build vacation houses near the caves and waterfalls.

Fernandez said all the roads in town are already well paved with proper street markings. Soon to be realized will be the solar-powered streetlights and closedcircuit television cameras to watch over tourists and constituents.”

He said the town of Matanao is peaceful “where anyone can spend time anywhere without being harmed.”

Fernandez also said the road from Koronadal City, North Cotabato to Matanao, Davao del Sur, is being constructed to cut travel time by one and a half hours.