TEMPORARY SETBACK

BY JOANNA C. BALANZA

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio admits the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao by her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, has affected the city’s image as an investment  and tourism destination.

She is however unfazed, saying that more energy is needed to convince investors and tourists that Davao City is still safe.

“We have to hurdle the challenge of explaining to investors and tourists that despite martial law, Davao City is still safe,” the mayor said in a media interview on Friday, July 7.

Earlier, the mayor said the city’s business and tourism climate suffered jitters as soon as President Duterte declared Martial Law on May 23.

Mayor Inday Sara with Durian Post business reporter Joanna Balanza

But Duterte-Carpio said government tourism players assured her the setback was only temporary with investors and tourism confidence restored in a matter of weeks or months.

Duterte-Carpio said the assurance of stable peace and order was expected to maintain the city’s business-friendly climate and  safe tourist destination.

“It is safe to put your money here. It is safe to visit here,” said Duterte-Carpio, abounding off her own sales pitch to investors and tourists.