In a significant stride towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth, the City Government of Panabo, through its Tourism Cultural Development Office (TCDO), successfully concluded a comprehensive three-day workshop to formulate the Panabo City Tourism and Culture Development Plan for C.Y. 2026-2030.
The strategic planning workshop brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, underscoring the city’s whole-of-community approach to development.
Participants included representatives from various offices within the Local Government Unit (LGU), the Davao Del Norte State College (DNSC), the Philippine National Police-Panabo Station, and the office of the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR).
Crucially, the initiative also saw robust participation from the private sector, including The Synergized Association of Restaurants, Cafes and Allied Pop Ups (SARAP), the Panabo Multipurpose Cooperative (PMPC), and the Tatak Panabo Association, ensuring that the plan is grounded in both community needs and market realities.
The workshop was enriched by the expertise of renowned resource persons. Mr. Reymond Pepito, CEO and owner of Collective Plus Business Consultancy, provided insights on market-driven strategies and sustainable business models for tourism enterprises.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nestor T. Horfilla, an award-winning cultural advocate and respected tourism development consultant for Davao Del Norte, shared his extensive knowledge on cultural mapping and destination development.
The primary objective of the three-day activity was to craft an actionable five-year roadmap that will guide the cityโs efforts in harnessing its rich cultural heritage and untapped tourism potential. The plan aims to position Panabo City not only as a key agri-tourism hub in Davao Region but also as a destination celebrated for its unique cultural identity.
The workshop involved intensive sessions on situational analysis, goal setting, and the formulation of strategic programs, projects, and activities based from three (3) identified tourism circuits.
Key discussion points included the promotion of agri-tourism linked to the city’s banana and pineapple industries, the preservation and celebration of indigenous (IP) culture, the development of culinary tourism through local restaurants and cafes, and enhancing overall visitor safety and experience.
The draft plan will now undergo further refinement by the TCDO before being presented to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for eventual adoption. The finalized Panabo City Tourism and Culture Development Plan 2026-2030 is expected to serve as the definitive blueprint for all tourism and cultural initiatives in the city, driving economic growth, fostering cultural pride, and ensuring sustainable development for the next five years.
Adding significant weight to the proceedings was the presence of Dr. Noel Daquioag from the Provincial Tourism Office, whose participation underscored the provincial government’s support for Panabo’s local development initiatives.
Tourism Cultural Development Office