New Corella govt, UP Mindanao ink Tourism Development agreement

DAVAO DEL NORTE, February 9 (PIA) - - The Municipal Government of New Corella, province of Davao del Norte and the University of the Philippine (UP) – Mindanao signed on Friday (February 6) the Memorandum of Agreement for the Tourism Development of the municipality.

Dennis Sumaylo, professor from UP Mindanao, revealed that the partnership will comprise of two areas, which are infrastructure development and community development.

“In the infrastructure development, we will focus on establishing structures that will relate to the culture and nature of the area,” Sumaylo said.

He said that on community development, they will focus on cultivating the sense of accountability from the people.

“As the town’s slogan say ‘I am New Corella,’ we will let them feel that this is their place and that they will protect and beautify it,” he said.

He said that also part of the project is the development of the products of the municipality and the sustainability of the community groups.

Sumaylo revealed that the partnership could last longer depending on the needs of the program.

“Initially the first phase, which will consist of the Panas Eco Cultural Park and Balaang Bukid (Holy Mountain), will go on around six months,” he said.

Mayor Nestor Alcoran expressed his gratitude to UP for helping their municipality in developing their tourism potential areas.

“This is a big help to us as the project will develop not only the place but also the people in the municipality,” he said.

According to Sumaylo, the project with the municipal government is part of the extension program of the university.

“As of now, the university is deploying two faculty members to look into this project,” he said.

He added that as an extension program, they are not receiving any remuneration from the municipal government. (PIA11, Michael Uy)