Tourists consider Sarangani as first destination choice in R12

By JOY R. SEVILLA 

ALABEL, Sarangani (August 28, 2013) – The new regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Region XII has acknowledged that Sarangani Province is considered as the first tourism destination choice of the bulk of passengers coming to the SOCSKSARGEN region.

Nelly Nita Dillera, DOT XII regional director, said during the Sarangani Tourism Development Area (TDA) Strategic Action Planning Workshop on August 20 that Sarangani Province is playing a big role as far as tourism industry in Region XII is concerned.

“General Santos City is considered as the gateway. The biggest bulk of passengers coming in the Region is through Gensan and normally, the first destination would be Sarangani,” Dillera said.

She added that tourism stakeholders in the province need to do a lot of things to really work together to promote and further the development of tourism in this part of the region.

Dillera said DOT, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways, has recommended infrastructure projects for funding to be developed in Sarangani-General Santos City Cluster.

Some infrastructure projects proposed in Sarangani include the upgrading of barangay and municipal roads possibly through the design and implementation of a combined farm to market/tourism roads and bridges upgrading program; directional signs to tourism destinations and sites; increase public transportation services to tourism destinations and sites in Sarangani; establishment of souvenir shops and tourism showcase in Capitol; develop a passenger terminal building for the Port of Glan in Sarangani, and others. The total cost of the projects, however, was not listed.

Meanwhile, Michelle Solon, chairperson of the Regional Tourism Council, said Sarangani Province has made its stride in terms of tourism.

“Sarangani has gotten its marks, but we still have a lot to do. We should bring in more people so that they will see that our area is really beautiful," Solon said, adding that Glan is now ready for international tourists.

Some of the tourist destinations recommended by Sarangani Tourism and Investments Promotions Center include Balungis Women Association (handloom weaving and garment) in Malapatan; the white sand beaches in Gumasa, Glan; Lamlifew Village Museum and School of Living Tradition and the Pacman Agro-Eco Farm in Malungon; Lemlunay Resort, IML Eco-Park, paragliding, and the Fort Sarangani in Maasim; Tuka Marine Park and Towok Eco-Tourism in Kiamba; and, the White Water Tubing, Turtle “Pawikan” Nestling, Pinol Cave, Pikong Kumabel Falls in Maitum. The Provincial Capitol in Alabel, on the other hand, is also considered a tourist spot.

Solon also expressed gratitude for the support extended by the DOT XII for the province to have a proper plan, goal, and direction.

The Sarangani Tourism Development Area (TDA) Strategic Action Planning Workshop was the final leg organized by the DOT in Region XII. It was has been conducted in Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, and General Santos City. For more news and updates, please visit the <a href= http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/> Province of Sarangani </a> (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)