MARCH heats up in Davao with a packed calendar of three highly anticipated events: the 86th Araw ng Dabaw, MiceCon, and Ironman—offering something for locals and tourists to look forward to.
Jennifer Romero, the officer-in-charge of the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), during the Madayaw Davao program of Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Jan. 30, said her office attended several meetings to fine-tune the details of these events.
She said that March kicks off with the simultaneous opening of the 86th Araw ng Dabaw and MiceCon on March 1. While the city’s founding anniversary is usually a month-long celebration, the MiceCon is set on March 1-3.
The Mutya ng Dabaw and the civic-military parade will stage a comeback after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. Both events will be face-to-face this year.
Romero said the search for the Mutya ng Dabaw 2023 is now on, with forms available from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3 and screening to take place on Saturday. The tourism head also said the CTOO and other Araw ng Dabaw Execom members hold regular meetings to plan a memorable celebration.
Although the official list is yet to be released, she assured the public that each Araw event follows health protocols in coordination with the City Health Office.
“The tourism stakeholders are very cooperative with the tourism initiatives of the city. I am really looking forward, at that same time challenged, on how we will be able to execute activities para sa Araw ng Dabaw na dugay na ginahulat na mubalik ang full swing of activities (I am really looking forward to and at the same time challenged on how we will be able to execute activities for Araw ng Dawaw that has been waiting for a long time to return to the full swing of activities),” she said.
The three-day MiceCon 2023, meanwhile, brings together professionals from the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) industry. It provides a platform for attendees to network, exchange ideas and knowledge, and discover the latest industry trends and innovations. The prestigious gathering promises a diverse lineup of activities, keynote speakers, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
Romero said, “The city is hosting a special dinner for all MICE participants on March 2. Our office is preparing for this one.”
The civic-military parade is scheduled on March 18 while the Alveo IronMan 70.3 Davao will take centerstage on March 26, 2023.
She said they attended the Ironman coordination meeting to discuss the security and safety preparations and other significant details about the city’s hosting of the international triathlon spectacle.
The event features a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, and 21.1 km run, testing participants’ strength, endurance, and determination. The race takes place in the scenic city of Davao, offering stunning views and a unique cultural experience for athletes and their families.
The CHO will closely monitor updated health guidelines for international arrival to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators.
The CTOO, responsible for the information dissemination of the guidelines, is working hand in hand with the tourism cluster in crafting an all-in-one information material to spread awareness of local ordinances, including anti-smoking measures, liquor bans, and the requirement for non-transparent bags to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all tourists visiting Davao City.
She added that the Department of Tourism XI is working to strengthen the reputation of Filipino hospitality in Davao City by offering training programs for improved service, as previously closed tourist services have reopened to welcome back clients.
Data from the end of 2022 shows a significant increase in tourist arrivals, and the CTOO is updating local tourism stakeholders to renew their permits for a busy 2023 season.
