THE CONSTRUCTION for the Panunod Project in the Kadayawan Village in Magsaysay Park is eyed to start this year.
During Habi at Kape media forum on Wednesday, Feb. 11, Jennylyn Ham, Panunod Project focal person, said, “We are hoping this year we will start with the construction, and after construction, there will be turnover of the project.”
Before the construction starts, Ham said the office has to complete the documentary requirements, including a memorandum of agreement between the city government of Davao, Tieza, and the Department of Tourism.
“Panunod: A Way of Life, Inherited Preservation of the Unwavering Legacy of Cultural and Sustainable Tourism of the Kadayawan Village” aims to develop the tribal village into an eco-cultural tourism destination, boosting tourism in the city and showcasing the traditional practices of eleven ethnolinguistic tribes here in the city.
The project secured a grant of P15 million along with an additional P5 million for its implementation.
“The MOA was already approved by the City Council. However, after that, there will be a series of signatories,” Ham said.
The official said they are simultaneously working on other documentation, such as the Environmental Compliance Certificate.
“The DENR required us ECC because the site of the project is a park,” Ham said.
Tieza will handle the infrastructure, as it will feature an administrative building and renovation of comfort rooms. Meanwhile, the City Tourism Operations Office will take care of the permits and licensing documentation.
“The City Tourism Office will be the implementing office and the receiving agency of the Panunod Project, “ Ham clarified.
The CTOO also coordinated with the City Culture and the Arts Office to consult the 11 tribes.
Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, committee chair on tourism and beautification, proposed institutionalizing the Kadayawan Festival, defining its roots and components, in line with the festival’s annual celebration in August.
At present, there is no existing ordinance that supports the Kadayawan Festival, so a budget is deliberated annually to renovate the tribal houses. Last year, the city government earmarked P3.5 million for all 11 tribes.
With the passage of the ordinance, the tribal houses will be open year-round, showcasing the products and services of the tribes and helping them in financial aspects.
