Danao opens tourism and expo summit

CEBU, Philippines — Danao City is opening its doors to more tourism opportunities as the city seeks to attract more visitors through new destinations, stronger community partnerships, and the preservation of its cultural heritage.

The push comes as the city opened its second Tourism Summit and Expo on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, under the theme “Where Heritage Comes Alive.” The city government cited an increase in tourist arrivals and presented upcoming tourism development projects.

In an interview, Vice Mayor Ivy Durano said tourist arrivals increased from a baseline of 25% in 2025 to 46% this year, following the launch of the summit in 2024. She said the figures reflect the city’s growing tourism potential.

Durano said the summit aims to connect different sectors and tourism stakeholders to help advance the city’s tourism industry. The event was supposed to be held for the third time this year, but the previous edition was canceled because of Typhoon Tino in November last year.

“Danao City is opening its doors,” Durano said, emphasizing the city’s intention to show local, national, and international visitors what it has to offer.

Among the tourism projects presented during the summit were the second phase of the Tawsan Mangrove Eco Park, which includes the construction of a boardwalk; the Mount Manghilao Eco Park and Campsite; a tourist lounge along the city’s boardwalk; a sports complex and convention center; and the completion of the city’s museum.

The vice mayor said approximately P50 million has been proposed for tourism development under the city’s 2027 Annual Investment Plan (AIP), which remains subject to approval. The city’s 2027 budget has yet to be approved.

Keeping the pamikpikay tradition alive

A key highlight of the Tourism Summit was the recognition and certification of Danao’s pottery artisans to help preserve the city’s “Pamikpikay Pottery” tradition.

The vice mayor said the city wants to ensure that the traditional craft does not disappear and that local artisans receive recognition for their skills and contributions to Danao’s cultural heritage.

The summit also recognized five outstanding barangay tourism councils out of Danao City’s 42 barangays for their efforts to promote tourism in their respective communities.

Barangays Malapoc, Manlayag, Danasan, Lawaan, and Masaba each received a plaque of recognition and P100,000 worth of tourism-related projects to support their ongoing tourism initiatives.

Durano said the barangay tourism councils would serve as partners in developing community-based tourism destinations.

Tourism management students from local colleges were also invited to contribute ideas and help promote the city’s destinations while preserving its culture and heritage.

Durano said the participation of young people is important in shaping tourism programs and policies, particularly as technology changes how destinations are promoted.

In his message, Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano urged Danawanons to tell the city’s story through its people, heritage, natural attractions, and generations of local craftsmanship.

“We must be storytellers of our own communities. We must be storytellers of our city,” the mayor said.

He also highlighted tourism’s potential to connect communities and local enterprises to wider markets, create livelihood opportunities, and attract investments while ensuring that Danao’s cultural heritage is passed on to future generations.