With the looming success of the Zampen Open Water Swim Circuit 2023, the Department of Tourism is convinced that more sports tourism activities should be activated in Mindanao, especially in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
“It’s time for Mindanao to shine in sports tourism. These (events) invite people to certain areas. We’re giving importance to sports tourism now to help change the negative connotation about Mindanao,” said DOT UndersecretaryMyra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar during the National Sports Tourism and Green Advocacy Summit on Saturday.
Myra has noted that the negative picture of Mindanao in the media in terms of peace and security is scaring off foreign tourists. It’s time to change that image.
Lana Jalosjos of Dakak Beach Resorts agreed that sports tourism is one of the best ways to attract tourists because passionate athletes—local and international– will go out of their way to try the best things Mindanao could offer.
Dakak, Dapitan City’s premier beach resort and dubbed as the Southern Paradise of the Philippines, hosted the summit attended by participants of the fourth and final leg of the Zampen Open Water Swim Circuit 2023.
More than 200 participants took part in the event that offered athletes and swimmers from all over the regions of the Philippines to test their skills and stamina to the limits in the 1.4KM, 3KM and 5KM swim at the famous cove of Dakak.
Prior to the Open swim on Sunday, other sporting activities were held such as a frisbee exhibition game between Manila and Dapitan teams and a fun run that participants enjoyed – and braved under heavy rains.
Also speaking at the summit, DOT Director for Region 9 Dara May L. Cataluna also pushed for green advocacy by urging organizers and participants to “do our share and create impact to climate change by being responsible. It’s a great tool to promote environment-friendly activities.”
The first three legs of the open swim circuit took place in Zamboanga City’s seaport, at Buluan Island in Zamboanga Sibugay, and at the scenic and heart-shaped Lake Magarang in Zamboanga del Sur.
Zampen Open Water Swim co-founder Japy Toledo said bigger scope is expected next year as they will be open to invitations from other places in the country to do similar events. “And we will be opening to international participants.”