Davao del Sur Tourism Development and Culture Promotions Office

14/11/2024

November 11, 2024 | Turn-Over Ceremony of the Newly Built Fence at the Bat Cave Tourism Building, Sitio Talambato, Brgy. Asbang, Matanao

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑮𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒐 𝒅𝒆𝒍 𝑺𝒖𝒓, led by Hon. Yvonne Roña Cagas, together with the Davao del Sur Provincial Engineering Office, proudly celebrates the completion of a vital infrastructure project that strengthens the protection and appeal of the Bat Cave Tourism Building .

This newly constructed fence not only boosts security but also plays a crucial role in preserving the unique natural beauty of this cherished site.

14/11/2024

14/11/2024

November 12, 2024 | Site Assessment at Tribal Hall of Kimlawis, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆, through its Culture and the Arts Division, conducted a site assessment at the Tribal Hall of Kimlawis in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to highlight the cultural heritage and unique identity of the local tribe, showcasing its significance within the province.

In addition to raising the tribe’s profile, the assessment prepares the site for sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. This project supports community growth and ensures that these traditions are protected for future generations.

08/11/2024

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 through the Planning and Product Development Division participated in the Regional Level Consultation for the Davao del Sur Tourism Development Plan 2025 – 2028 last November 5, 2024 at Apo View Hotel, Davao City. This initiative brought together different provinces in the Davao Region to discuss strategies for sustainable tourism. Participants discussed ways to improve the region’s unique cultural and natural assets, with the goal of increasing our arrivals to both local and international tourists and improving the tourism sector.

This collaborative effort aimed to create a roadmap for inclusive tourism that benefits local communities, protects the environment, and preserves Davao Region’s cultural heritage. The plan envisions a tourism industry that not only stimulates the economy, but also promotes responsible travel, resulting in long-term benefits for the region and its people.

07/11/2024

November 6, 2024 | 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 through the Culture and the Arts Division conducted a site assessment in Bagobo-Tagabawa Cultural Village at Tibolo, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

This initiative showcases the diverse cultural heritage of Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe. This immersive experience brings the rich cultural heritage of Davao del Sur to the forefront, fostering a deeper appreciation of its unique treasures and expanding their reach to a wider audience.

05/11/2024

Calling all students! Join us for the 1st Hospitality and Tourism Experience Student Conference on November 15, 2024 at Acacia Hotel!

Immerse yourself in a powerful half-day event featuring an outstanding lineup of speakers and industry experts who are reshaping the future of hospitality.

Don’t miss it—secure your spot today! 🌟

Registration Link:
https://forms.gle/L1pGazjLEF7NQnxL9

02/11/2024

𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒔' 𝑫𝒂𝒚

On All Souls' Day, we take a moment to honor the memory of those who came before us. This day invites reflection on our shared history and the connections that shape our communities and traditions.

01/11/2024

𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒔' 𝑫𝒂𝒚

Today, we celebrate the lives of those who inspire us with compassion, courage, and a commitment to community. All Saints' Day is a reminder of the values that unite us and the cultural heritage that we all share.

30/10/2024

October 29, 2024 | The 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 through the Culture and the Arts Division joined the 23rd Kastifun Festival in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. The event highlighted their traditional gastronomy, featuring unique dishes like , "ANOLOT" (viand cooked inside a bamboo), "LUBAT" (rice cooked inside a leaf), "TAFEY" (rice inside a leaf and cooked for 24 hours). Other unique version of "ANOLOT" included frog and small crabs. Another highlights of the event is their traditional games. "SAMPOT" (played with arrow and bow), "GAMTI" (played with bow and trident) "MISONG" (first to make fire through fire by friction.

#𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘢𝘨𝘕𝘨𝘢𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘰
#𝘪𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘚𝘶𝘳

28/10/2024

The 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆, in partnership with the 𝑫𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝑿𝑰 successfully conducted an in-depth inspection of tourism-related establishments throughout Davao del Sur from October 23 to 25, 2024. This proactive approach ensures that all facilities meet quality, safety, and guest satisfaction standards, promoting an enjoyable experience for all visitors.

By working closely with our stakeholders, we aim to elevate Davao del Sur as a premier destination while promoting sustainable practices. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering a growing tourism sector that benefits both tourists and the local community.

24/10/2024

𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒!

The Provincial Tourism Development and Culture Promotions Office will be celebrating the Tourism Family Day 2024 on October 25-26, 2024 at Passig Aqua-Eco Park.

This event celebrates the collective achievements and unwavering commitment of the tourism sector, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in driving the vibrant spirit of Davao del Sur’s tourism family.

18/10/2024

October 16, 2024 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism XI (DOT XI), successfully conducted the Training on Filipino Brand of Service Excellence to DOT Accredited establishments in Davao del Sur at Almendras Hall, Gov. Douglas Ra. Cagas Sports Complex and Business Center.

The Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) is significant because it emphasizes Filipino cultural values such as hospitality and respect, which distinguishes the Philippines in global tourism. It improves guest experiences, promotes cultural identity, instills national pride, and helps sustain the tourism industry. The FBSE also promotes continuous improvement, fosters trust, and strengthens the country’s reputation, making it a major component of economic growth and global competitiveness.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Resource Speaker, Ms. Cherry Faye B. Al-ag for sharing her knowledge and expertise in carrying out the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, as well as to our partner, Department of Tourism XI through Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan for making this initiative possible. Finally, we hope to have imparted additional knowledge and learnings to the participants, our tourism drivers in the province of Davao del Sur, in order to help our province, become a more Maanyag nga Paraiso.

08/10/2024

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 (𝐏𝐓𝐃𝐂𝐏𝐎) successfully conducted a series of pre-inspection activities for tourism-related establishments in the Municipality of Matanao, Bansalan and Digos City.

This initiative aimed to assess establishments based on the standard protocols prescribed in the guidelines and to educate tourism stakeholders on the benefits and incentives of DOT accreditation, as mandated by RA 9593, or the Tourism Act of 2009. These activities are crucial steps toward ensuring that our tourism establishments meet certain standards in terms of service quality, facilities, and overall operations, helping to maintain consistency and professionalism across the industry.

30/09/2024

The Provincial Tourism Development and Culture Promotions Office through the Culture and the Arts Division conducted the Community Based Tourism
Enhancement Orientation for Indigenous Communities with the assistance of Tourism Promotion Board last September 26-27, 2024 at Montefrio Garden Resort, Barangay Kapatagan, Digos City, Davao del Sur.

The "Community-Based Tourism Enhancement Orientation for Indigenous Communities" is a workshop designed to empower indigenous communities by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and manage sustainable tourism initiatives. The program focuses on enhancing their capacity to attract visitors, preserve their cultural heritage, and generate economic benefits while ensuring environmental sustainability and community well-being.

26/09/2024

The Provincial Tourism Development and Culture Promotions Office through the Culture and the Arts Division joined the 36th Founding Anniversary of the Tagakaulo Tribe with a theme "Kasambukan Festival" in Barangay Pitu, Malalag, Davao del Sur last September 24, 2024.

The event highlighted their traditional gastronomy, featuring unique dishes like "Lolot" (viand cooked inside bamboo) and "Lolob" (rice cooked inside bamboo). Other traditional foods included "K***n baw" (a version of pastel), the cassava dessert "Dangay," and "Kape sa Tubo" (coffee made from sugar cane).

25/09/2024

The Provincial Tourism Development and Culture Promotions Office successfully conducted the Festival Management Training in partnership with Department of Tourism XI last September 18 – 20, 2024 at Gov. Douglas Ra. Cagas Sports and Business Center. The three-day training featured a variety of sessions, workshops, and interactive activities led by prominent experts and professionals.

The Festival Management Training equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to plan, organize, and carry out successful and safe festivals that meet the needs of both stakeholders and attendees.

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Tanya Rabat-Tan, Regional Director of DOT XI, for her support of this training. Also, we would like to thank our resource speaker, Mr. Nestor Horfilla and his co-facilitators for assisting us in developing an enhanced festival management plan for each LGU.

12/09/2024

The Provincial Government of Davao del Sur, through the 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲, achieved a significant milestone by collaborating with the Department of Tourism XI (DOT XI) for the orientation on the Updated Progressive Accreditation System, held on September 11-12, 2024, at Rogen Inn, Davao City. This orientation ensures that local tourism establishments meet national standards. The said orientation was participated by the local tourism officers with the BPLOs of each municipality and the city.

Additionally, the DOT-11 conducted an executive class (shorter version) of the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence Seminar for the participants of the orientation to provide the key concept of the latest program of the Department of Tourism on hospitality service and further extend down to the local level the Filipino brand of hospitality which will enhance the province’s image to delivering top-tier hospitality and service to its visitors, honing to “Filipinization” as its core values.

This achievement highlights the office’s and the entire municipal and city tourism workforce’s proactive approach to accreditation and its dedication to fostering a culture of excellence within the tourism industry.

08/09/2024

𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐀 𝐖𝐑𝐀𝐏!
The Provincial Government of Davao del Sur, through the Provincial Tourism Development and Culture Promotions Office, successfully concluded the 35th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) 2024 held at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
We extend our gratitude to LGU Matanao and LGU Sta. Cruz, BIG 8 Corporate Hotel, Twin Mountain View Resort, Havens Dew Resort, Montefrio Resort, and our other partners who contributed to the success of the event.
Special thanks to Hon. Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas for giving us the opportunity to showcase Davao del Sur, our Maanyag nga Paraiso, as a premier tourist destination.