Dinagat Islands boosts tourism promotion drive
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY – The provincial government of Dinagat Islands, in partnership with the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Department of Tourism recently turned over a television set to the management of Bancasi Airport in Butuan City as it launched the ‘Dinagat Islands on Screen.’
The TV set contains promotional videos of the different tourism portfolio of the province that showcased its culture and heritage, pristine and island beaches, rural and mountain adventures, ecological wonders, gastronomy, among others.
This initiative aims to boost tourist arrivals in lesser-known destinations, such as the province of Dinagat Islands, by utilizing gateways as untapped platforms for marketing and promotions. This will also inspire tourists and travelers in the airport to include Dinagat Islands in their travel destinations.
It will also broadcast information, education and communication (IEC) materials that promote the i2FAME strategy of the Caraga Regional Development Plan 2023-2028. The i2FAME which stands for “Industrialize and Innovate Fishery, Agro-forestry, Mining, and Eco-tourism," to improve the productivity and sustainability of the said key industries in the region.
Dinagat Islands Gov. Nilo P. Demerey Jr., also the chairperson of the Caraga RDC said, "We will be doing more of this effort, making Caraga known to other places, and to be able to improve our ranking from No. 10 in poverty level to rank No. 6.”
He added that the region is now ranked No. 8 and is continuously gearing for improvement. "Caraga region so far has the most substantial poverty reduction in 2023," he shared, establishing the pivotal role of tourism in addressing poverty and paving way for economic activities.
As a beneficiary of the initiative, Junelito Abrazado, acting civil aviation area manager of Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Area 12 in Butuan City expressed gratitude to the provincial government of Dinagat Islands and to other agencies for considering the airports as a strategic hub to strengthen the tourism sector in the region. "We are honored to receive this one unit of television set from the Province of Dinagat Islands. Rest assured that this will be very useful in the promotion of the tourist destinations in Dinagat Islands with its rich culture and friendly people,” he said.
Also, DOT Caraga Director Ivonnie Dumadag assured the sustainability of the initiative saying, “"After this, the Sayak Airport in Siargao Island and Surigao City Airport will follow. There have been notable efforts leading to the progress of Caraga, and this is another accomplishment for the entire region.”
Meanwhile, the Province of Dinagat Islands passed ordinances encouraging boat operators to promote the island’s tourism destinations. This advocacy was later elevated to the Regional Development Council (RDC), resulting in the passage of RDC Resolution No. 9-B, series of 2024. This resolution urged DOT Caraga and public transportation agencies to facilitate and allow provincial and local government units in the Caraga Region to exhibit tourism promotional videos in airports, seaports, terminals,
RORO vessels, passenger boats, bus terminals, buses, and tourism-related establishments (TREs) free of charge.
Through initiatives like these, the Province of Dinagat Islands reaffirms its commitment to innovative tourism promotion by harnessing modern platforms and strategic partnerships for sustainable tourism growth, ensuring that its natural beauty and vibrant traditions reach a wider audience. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)
