WE are expressing our heart-felt condolence to the family of fellow media man Henrylito Tacio for the demise of his father early Tuesday morning.
We are certain how the death of a head of a family affects those who he left behind. But for Henry he should find it a consoling factor that his father who lived for 86 long years died fulfilled because he was able to raise a happy family which normally is the measure of parents’ success. We are confident that with such achievement, Henry’s father will surely rest in peace in the arms of the Almighty.
Again, allow us to express our condolence to your family Henry.
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As usual, we Filipinos are again showing our habit of doing things when the deadline is closest or right on deadline time. This characteristic is again manifested in the last few days of the voter registration for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election come October this year.
According to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) there will be no extension of the voter listing the deadline of which was yesterday, January 31. But a week or two ago the poll body, in an effort to have more registrants, either new or transferees, conducted field registrations in several barangays at the district level and even had the registration done in malls just to entice more qualified voters.
While a number of first-time voters and transferees as well as those who want to register again after failing to vote successively three times responded positively, still their number appeared to pale in comparison with the total expected registrants.
And alas, the other day and yesterday, we saw on footage of television reports that the district offices of the COMELEC in Davao City and the satellite registration sites were virtually “mobbed” by those who want to exercise their right of suffrage in the forthcoming Barangay and SK elections.
When can we possibly change this habit? We can only hope that this characteristic of ours can be moderated when it comes to the ongoing SIM card registration activities that the national government is currently undertaking for all cellular phone holders.
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There is an ongoing Tourism Expo in Davao City. According to organizers and the Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DoT) the intention of the exposition is to showcase the various cultures and tourist attractions in the whole of Mindanao.
In other words, the Expo is expected to present and offer the colorful culture and spots including other amenities that are available all over Mindanao including the scenic island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi where there are plenty.
Just how the Davao exposition will be able to convince prospective tourists to go to the island provinces without being hounded by fear as a consequence of the not-so-ideal peace and order situation in the areas, we have no idea as yet.
Meanwhile, it is sadly but generally observed that most foreign tourists, and even those from within the country, have as their top options for destinations the beaches and similar attractions thereat. Only a few prefer inland nature sites, which perhaps, may be plenty in places where they come from.
Unfortunately, this is the situation in Davao City. There are no fine beaches to offer. The city can only pride itself on its people’s hospitality and the many dining and drinking establishments – the nightlife specifically – in the city. And the city can add the many fruits that are products of its farmers to spice up and satisfy the gastronomic desires of tourists.
Yes, the Tourism sector has listed a respectable number of tourist arrivals in Davao City. But the Tourism Regional, as well as City offices, very well know that most of these visitors are “transients” in the city. Usually, a good number of them proceed to Samal Island to enjoy its beaches and resort amenities. Or, they go to Davao Oriental or Davao del Sur, or Davao Occidental to visit their beaches. The more adventurous prefer to climb the country’s tallest peak, Mt. Apo, to explore its mystique.
In short, the tourists whether foreign or local, spend most of their time outside Davao City and stay here only a day or two before their trip to their intended destination or stay for another day before they fly out of the city to go home.
Davao City’s being bereft of the earlier-mentioned amenities is one big bane in attracting more tourists. Maybe it is about time for the city to develop alternative destinations competing against the lure of beaches and the open seas.
The city is rich in nature’s beauty all waiting to be tapped.
