“Shrine City” of Dapitan to boost sports tourism in ZaNorte
Recognizing its significant role to the image of a destination, the City of Dapitan will make the most out of sports as part of its aggressive effort to revitalize the tourism industry in Zamboanga del Norte and contribute to the economic growth of the province.
Dapitan and ZaNorte Tourism Officer Apple Marie Agolong firmly believes that sports and tourism are a winning combination, a perfect match in their determined campaign to sustain the lofty billing of their history-rich “Shrine City” as tourism hub in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula.
“We are actually doing this through the initiative of sir Nonong,” said Agolong, referring to former congressman and Zamboanga political kingpin Romeo “Nonong” Jaloslos, Sr. “It’s really his vision to make Dapitan as the center for tourism in this part of the region. So when you say here in Region 9, Zamboanga Peninsula, the tourism hub is Dapitan so we are trying to come up with a lot of things that would really make Dapitan as the place to be.”
“We draw inspiration from sir Nonong, who wanted to see that our city will not only be known because of Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero who was exiled here for three years,” Agolong furthered. “People have different interests that is why we offer Dapitan as a place for the entire family, that every member of the family have something to do when they are here. So they can have something to choose from, we turn to sports because a lot of people are interested in sports especially now that many are hungry for competitions.”
To start the ball rolling, Agolong said they featured a smorgasbord of sporting events, from marathon up to beach volley, tennis, mountain bike, motocross, kickboxing, and golf, during the Kasa KaZa Festival (Kadaugan Sa Katawhan Sa ZaNorte) that was among the highlights of the formal inauguration of ZaNorte Governor Rosalina “Nanay Nene” Garcia Jalosjos last week.
They also lined up various sporting activities for their upcoming Kinabayo Festival slated on July 16-25 in honor of their beloved patron Sr. Santiago (St. James the Greater).
“We want something different so the people would really tell that let’s go to Dapitan because they have unique events that you cannot just find elsewhere. Perhaps they can find it in some other places but not in each place like when you talk about combat sports such as mixed martial arts, eskrima/arnis, and boxing. We also have bodybuilding and triathlon,” said Agolong. “We will actively promote all of these here. Want to provide potential tourists with a unique sports experience that will stand out from others.”
Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick Jaloslos, himself a multi-sport enthusiast, shared the same sentiments, noting that apart from discovering talents that could bring honor and pride to their place in the athletic stage someday, they can also use their success in the sports arena to promote social, economic and cultural development.
“We will definitely integrate sports into our tourism programs. It’s high time to put our efforts and more funding in other sports. I know that there are a lot of potentials in our region that just needed to be tapped. Boxing, for instance, is very important. Who knows we could produce the next Manny Pacquiao with the right exposure and the right support from our city and the provincial government as well,” said Mayor Seth Jaloslos said.
“Overall, I want a sports tourism that will have a longlasting effect, something that will not only benefit the destination but also enhance the welfare and improve the quality of life of the locals and the
disadvantaged,” Jalosjos ended.