Tourist visits Dapitan City expected to increase this year’s Kinabayo Festival

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 Posted by Mindanao Pagadian Frontline

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (July 17, 2014-MPF News) --- The Tourists who will visit in Dapitan City in the nearby province of Zamboanga del Norte are expected to be increased this year following the Kinabayo Festival, City tourism Official said.

Dapitan City Tourism Officer Apple Marie Agolong said the estimated increase of 40 percent of tourists visit is expected this year’s festivity compared to last year with more than 100 thousand tourists visited Dapitan City for the whole duration of Kinabayo Festival.  

“This is due to the five days’ advance start of activities and the four major invitational competitions included in the activities,” Agolong said.

At present almost all pension houses and hotels in Dapitan City are fully booked and some had reservation for the next week activities, Agolong said.

These are the 4 major events; 1^st Kinabayo Bowling Tenpin open Championship, 1^st Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos Shooting Competition Level 2, the 2^nd Dapitan City Table Tennis Tournament and the Invitational 3^rd Mayor Rosalina “Nene” Jalosjos Cup Circuit Race Challenge (Moto Cross).

Agolong also said that the the Religious Activities of Kinabayo Festival in honor of City Patron St. James also attract catholic devotees from neighboring towns and cities to participate in the religious ritual during the fiesta celebration. 

Agolong also added that aside from 4-mayor events and religious activities,the Search for Miss Dapitan City is also considered as one of the highlights of the Kinabayo Festival that will attract more visitors from the neighboring provinces.

She said that this years’ Kinabayo Festival the Gloria de Dapitan Fantasyland had also join the LGU in the Festivity celebration through their nightly Cultural presentation and different shows that will help the tourism industry in the city. 

She said noted that such support has made Dapitan City as one of the tourist’s destination in the country.

Dapitan is a 3rd class city in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. It is historically significant as being the place where our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled by the Spaniards and is known as the “Shrine City of the Philippines.”