MinDA, DOrSU Hold Writeshop in Mati City
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), in partnership with Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), held a two-day writeshop in Mati City on October 9-10, 2024, aimed at advancing sustainable mountaineering and ecotourism practices in Mindanao. The event, hosted at Honey’s Hotel and Restaurant, gathered over 50 environmental advocates, mountaineers, tourism officials, and community stakeholders to explore the intersection of biodiversity conservation, community empowerment, and responsible tourism.
The writeshop featured a robust lineup of presentations from experts in various fields, beginning with Ms. Marchieza Bicong, Tourism Operations Officer II from the Department of Tourism Regional Office XI, who outlined the Department of Tourism’s Accreditation System for Mountain Guides and Porters. Bicong emphasized how this accreditation system ensures professional standards for guides and porters, promoting both safety and environmental stewardship.
In another presentation, Ms. Kristi Donna N. Paredes, Senior TESD Specialist from TESDA XI, and Mr. Neil C. Estudillo, Supervising TESD Specialist, shared insights on Skills Development in Adventure Tourism. They focused on training programs for mountain guides and porters, emphasizing the importance of professional growth to enhance local economic opportunities.
Asst. Prof. Jhonnel P. Villegas, a biologist and educator from DOrSU, followed with an in-depth session on Balancing Ecotourism and Biodiversity Conservation. Villegas, a recognized expert in wildlife ecology, discussed strategies for maintaining the delicate balance between tourism activities and preserving natural habitats, stressing that ecotourism must serve as a tool for both economic development and environmental protection.
One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Mr. Mark Aljen D. Binocal, Director of the Center for Futures Thinking and Regenerative Development at DOrSU. Binocal shared Essential Hacks for Effective Social Media Strategies for Mountaineering, emphasizing the role of digital platforms in promoting sustainable tourism and raising awareness about conservation efforts.
In his presentation, DOrSU President Dr. Roy G. Ponce underscored the importance of crafting standardized guidelines for Mindanao mountaineering. “Safety, environmental protection, and ethical tourism practices are critical to achieving harmony between ecotourism and conservation. This writeshop is a crucial step in ensuring that mountaineering supports both community development and the preservation of our natural landscapes,” President Ponce stated.
The event concluded with an interactive workshop where participants collaborated to draft comprehensive guidelines for mountaineering in Mindanao. These guidelines focused on key areas such as safety protocols, environmental preservation, and responsible engagement with local communities. Additionally, the group integrated the advocacy for regenerative futures, aiming to ensure that mountaineering not only sustains but also revitalizes ecosystems, contributing to a more balanced and sustainable future for the region.
The guidelines will be reviewed by key stakeholders and submitted to relevant authorities for implementation across Mindanao’s mountaineering community. Follow-up training sessions and consultations are also planned to ensure that the guidelines are fully adopted and adhered to by mountaineers, local government units, and tourism stakeholders. This event is part of the regenerative futures advocacy efforts of the university, which aim to restore and enhance ecosystems rather than merely maintain them. This advocacy stands as a key pillar in the initiative, helping shape a long-lasting positive impact on Mindanao’s natural resources and communities. (DOrSU PIO)
