Development of Kidapawan tourism sites pushed

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines  – City Mayor Joseph Evangelista has urged Malacañang to focus on the development of potential eco-tourism sites here to generate livelihood opportunities and revenues needed to support various socio-economic programs.

Evangelista, chairman of the city tourism council, said his office asked an initial grant of P210 million from the tourism and public works departments for the rehabilitation of the city’s tourist spots and concreting of roads that would link eco-tourism sites.

Evangelista said the city government needs P170 million for the concreting of eco-tourism “circuit arteries” linking Kidapawan City’s Barangays Ilomavis, Balabag and Perez, all located at the foot of the majestic Mt. Apo.

The three barangays have scenic forests, mountain springs and creeks, and trails leading to the crest of Mt. Apo.

Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak, teems with timbers and is home to a number of  wild animals, including the Philippine Eagle.

Evangelista said the city government had also sought an initial P40 million assistance package from the Department of Tourism for the development of Kidapawan City’s Kansal and Mawig waterfalls, the Paniki and Mt. Apo forest parks, and for the rehabilitation of the Lake Agko.

Joey Recemilla, Kidapawan City’s chief tourism officer, said they have submitted to the Mindanao Development Authority, and the trade and tourism departments, their studies and funding requests to develop potential tourism sites here. - John Unson