MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/23 December) — The City Tourism Board has proposed a P5-million initial fund to develop this “city in the forest” as a tourism destination, Erlow Talatala, member of the board and public relations officer of the Northern Mindanao Tourism Council (NMTC) said.
Talatala told MindaNews Mayor Ignacio W.[]
Zubiri has endorsed the proposal to the City Council for appropriation.
Of the amount, P1-million is being eyed for the working committee’s preparations to draft the city’s tourism development plan.
He said among the priorities is the management and development of an eco-lodge in Dalwangan.
Malaybalay prides itself as a “city in the forest” or “summer capital” of Mindanao.
There is also a plan to start a “Lechon Baka (Roast Beef) Festival” next year, he said.
Reuel Gallo, another member of the NMTC, said the plan is apt as Bukidnon, known for its cattle, is being marketed as the “Cowboy Capital of the Philippines.”
Talatala said the board will initiate an inventory of tourist spots, establishments, food, culture, sports, handicraft, festivals and events.
The breakdown of the proposed working budget is as follows: product development, P100,000; marketing and promotion, P250,000; Finance Committee, P50,000; infrastructure, P500,000; and planning Committee, P100,000.[]
