Davao City’s government, business and tourism sectors welcomed the lifting of Martial Law in Mindanao by end of December.
Mayor Sara Duterte echoed the sentiments of Dabawenyos saying Martial Law’s lifting will be beneficial for the economy of Davao City and would entice more foreign tourists and investors.
Mayor Duterte admitted that the declaration of martial law negatively affected the city when foreign governments issued travel bans – including Canada. She said the travel advisories have made tourists and investors apprehensive about coming.
However, Mayor Duterte clarified that the negative effect of the declaration of martial law referred to foreign investments.
Duterte said when it comes to local investments, there is no problem.
Despite the impending end of the martial law declaration, the City Council passed a resolution asking the Philippine National Police to continue the suspension of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) for a year.
Mayor Duterte said the suspension of PTCFOR will be an effective measure in maintaining the city’s peace and order even without martial law.
Meanwhile, former Mindanao Business Council chair and business leader Joji Ilagan-Bian told Edge Davao the non-extension of Martial Law in Mindanao will further boost the confidence of the international community to do business in Davao. She also said tourism will likewise benefit greatly from this as visitors will now feel safer going all over Mindanao
“This is a very positive news which will reinforced our investment and Promotions of Davao City as the leading business hub in Mindanao and the entire country,” Bian said.
For her part, Department of Tourism Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan expressed optimism to favorable effects on tourism in 2020 with the lifting of the Martial Law in Mindanao.
Tan said Davao Region, as the center of commerce, tourism and investment in Mindanao, will benefit greatly.
“We affirm the positive effect of this event for the region where it will consequently increase the tourism statistics of Davao in pursuit for tourism development and community empowerment in Davao Region,” she said.
Tan added that the tourism’s contribution to the Philippine economy is currently at 12% and Davao Region can maximize its full tourism potential to more economic activity and livelihood for the workforce.
She said as of the first quarter of 2019, Davao has reached its tourist arrival at 3.257 million with 17 percent growth rate compared to first semester of 2018.
“We target to balance the marks of domestic and foreign tourist arrivals by 2020 given the that we have diverse tourism destinations with unique experiences and offerings,” she said.
Tan said tourism and trade will also benefit where MSMEs and community-based tourism key players can gain profit out from their local produce for market selling and offering to travelling local and foreign guests.
“Moreover, we are confident with the safety and security programs of every area in Davao Region are being implemented by our various security forces, and that the interest of our travelling visitors is our utmost priority,” she said.
