ASEAN Landmark Lighting “Excellent Opportunity to Draw Attention” to Mt. Hamiguitan

Among in 73 sites in the Philippines participating in the nationwide landmark lighting ceremony. Mt. Hamiguitan is an offshoot for Mati City to have pool of tourists in and out of the country.

Mount Hamiguitan — Marking ASEAN’s 50th anniversary on August 8, 2017 through the simultaneous ASEAN Landmark Lighting Ceremony in Mt. Hamiguitan, San Isidro, Davao Oriental, showcased the world-famous mountain range among the 73 sites in the Philippines participating in the nationwide landmark lighting ceremony.

“This ASEAN Landmark Lighting Ceremony at our crown jewel gives us the opportunity to showcase our world-famous heritage site, which is the first and only mountain range in the Philippines to have been inscribed in the World Heritage List. Thanks to the ASEAN for this excellent opportunity to draw the attention of visitors, and remind local residents of the outstanding universal value of this mountain range,” said Governor Nelson Dayanghirang who led the lighting of the ASEAN lantern at the World Heritage Park. He continued, “We share the belief that it is through cooperation and positive engagement that we lay the foundations for greater economic integration. We all share a single vision of progress, a vision that finds its roots in a common heritage.”

The governor cited the ASEAN’s collaborative strategies towards achieving the shared goal of “coming together and helping each other to make the most of the region’s potentials.” He excitedly declared that, through hard work and creativity, “we are now among the best tourism destinations in the country. From the onset, we have identified tourism as what we call a low-lying fruit waiting to be picked. It is the perfect industry to focus on. Tourism booms benefit not just those at the top, it also benefits local restaurant owners, food producers, transport organizations, souvenir craftsmen, schools that produce tourism professionals and the list goes on and on.” He stressed how the focus on tourism programs has vastly altered the economic landscape, also thanking his predecessor, former Gov. Corazon Malanyaon, for spearheading the initiative to inscribe Mount Hamiguitan to the highly prestigious World Heritage List.

Meanwhile, guest speaker Department of Interior and Local Government Regional Director Alex Roldan stressed the many benefits of the ASEAN community not only in terms of tourism but also in terms of economic progress. “A freer connection between the Philippines and other nations in the ASEAN would provide wider opportunities who want to dream it big in other countries. Another goal of ASEAN is to increase foreign investments by removing restrictions and adopting international best practices. This means enhanced job opportunities for ASEAN citizens as well, and a better quality of life. It is the people in the ASEAN nations who believe that we can all develop as one, and make the concept of integration become a reality,” Director Roldan said.