Iconic Landmark in Davao Oriental Unveiled

True to her words of making tourism one of the economic drivers of the province along with the agriculture industry, Governor Corazon Malanyaon is relentless in her pursuit of opportunities and possibilities to elevate the tourism industry of Davao Oriental as one of the best in Mindanao and the country.

To advance this objective, Governor Malanyaon met with representatives of Salac Greenworld Architects, led by Architect Evito R. Salac, together with Dr. Erlinda “Erly” Salac-Curro, where the said architectural firm shared its tourism response action plan for Davao Oriental.

The presented plan specifies the creation of a 3–6 year roadmap for the tourism development of the province’s natural attractions and their strategic locations. Architect Evito Salac believes this plan is a “vision-driven program that has a clear-cut direction for the issues and concerns raised during the Tourism Summit last October 2022.”

A highlight of the discussion with Salac Greenworld Architects was the presentation of design proposals for the Entrance Arch Boundaries, including the Cateel-Davao de Oro Boundary Arch, Aliwagwag Falls Arch, and Hamiguitan Arch. These arches follow a thematic design taking inspiration from the natural and cultural heritage of Davao Oriental. The firm also provided architectural concepts for potential provincial infrastructure developments such as a hospital, a cable car project, and a seaside hotel.

As he discussed the proposed designs, Architect Salac indicated that these projects “would inspire a sense of belonging and pride to all Oriental Dabawenyos” as they promote cultural and environmental awareness and acknowledge the legal rights and spiritual practices of Indigenous People. He also mentioned how their designs are environmentally friendly, reducing negative social and physical impacts while delivering an unparalleled visitor and local experience and bringing in money for the community, business, and conservation initiatives.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

For development initiatives like those proposed by Salac Greenworld Architects, Dr. Erlinda Salac-Curro provided recommendations on possible ways to explore and attract potential sources of additional financing. She believes holding local, national, and even international business forums will create a plethora of opportunities for partnerships with potential investors and stakeholders, which will strengthen Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the province.

Dr. Salac-Curro will also be flying over to Japan to assist in the presentation of the investment and development profile of Davao Oriental to representatives of the Japanese Government and entice them to pour in more investments in Davao Oriental.

Governor Malanyaon expressed her sincere gratitude for these developments and complimented everyone on their hard work. “I am glad and overwhelmed by your assistance. Everything that we are doing is for the province, for the people. This will give everyone more confidence that Davao Oriental is indeed beautiful,” Governor Malanyaon said. ʙʏ ꜰʀᴀɴᴄɪꜱ ᴊᴀʏ ʙᴜᴛᴜʟᴀɴ | ᴘʜᴏᴛᴏꜱ ʙʏ ᴍᴀʀᴋ ᴀʟᴠɪᴛᴇ