DATA inducts new officers & members





In the first face to face event in two years, Davao Tourism Association (DATA) held its annual meeting and induction of officers at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao recently. 

Inducting the 2022 officers was Department of Tourism Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan. 



DATA 2022 officers 



DATA’s new set of officers are Cherry Faye Al-ag, President; Ken Kapulong, Executive Vice-President; Pauline Benedicto, Secretary; Bai Siang Lim, Treasurer; Lyn Cheng Barlis, Auditor; Marissa Tionko, Press Relations; Renato Gatchalian, Ex-Officio; Jennifer Romero, VP-Hotel & Accommodation; Raymond de la Paz, VP-F&B/Restaurants; Pia Montano, VP-Travel & Tours; Nicole Ledesma, VP-academe/Education; Ronald Go, VP-Transportation; Susabel Reta, VP-Retail & Properties; Marilou Ampuan, VP-Emerging Sector; Wit Holganza, VP-Allied Services. 

Joining the new DATA officers are the new committee heads: Jennifer Romero, Membership Committee Head; Norjames Goad, DATA Academy Head; Ellinor Marcelino, Special Projects/Fund-raising Activity Head; Rudolph Alama, Media Relations Head; and Dr. Luz Acosta, Health & Safety Head. 



DATA's new president Cherry Faye Al-ag with Bernard Al-ag



DATA’s newly installed president, Cherry Faye Al-ag, in her welcome remarks said, “Without a doubt, tonight is a very special night for everyone. Gathered for the first time in one venue, face to face, in person, are the men and women who have suffered a lot in the past two years. Yet, despite all, you have all proven to be resilient and strong!” 

“The COVID-19 crisis has hit the tourism economy hard, with unprecedented effects on jobs and businesses. It has been two years already and tonight is an evidence of where we are now: on recovery. We may be moving slower than what others have hoped for, but what is important is we are persevering to recover and moving on.” 

She bared DATA’s objectives during her term as leader in the next two years, which includes providing opportunities for DATA members to promote their brand, products and services while strengthening collaboration with other tourism related organizations and agencies within the city and across the country; champion job generation; invite emerging sectors like fashion tourism, farm tourism, and promoting special events like Davao as a wedding destination; and to raise the quality of service excellence. 

“During the pandemic, domestic tourism has provided the much needed boost to help sustain many tourism destinations and businesses, and will continue to be a key driver of recovery in the short to medium term,” she said, and extended her gratitude to agencies and individuals who extended support in keeping the industry thrive. 

Pledging support to the recovery of Davao tourism are DOT Secretary Bernadette Puyat, DOT-XI Director Tanya Tan and CTOO GeneRose Tecson. 



DOT-XI Director Tanya Tan & DCTOO's GeneRose Tecson



DOT Director Tanya Tan commended DATA as a partner in the tourism industry for its resilience, sacrifice and the support given at a time of uncertainty. 

“Now with more relaxed travel protocols and lifting of restrictions, tourists will come again for another taste of our legendary hospitality and see the new destinations and experiences that we have prepared for them. With travel's foreseeable comeback , we are also raring to see the return of more jobs in the industry,” said Tan. 

With pride, DCTOO’s GeneRose Tecson said, “Hindi lumubog ang Davao City tourism because of you, our Davao City Tourism stakeholders. Kayo po ang pride and prized partners ng ating City Government, and our relationship is the envy of all other LGUs because there is really nothing that comes near it. And I always say to other tourism officers that you are our superpower.” 

Tecson thanked DATA for the partnership through thick and thin and assured the organization that the DCTOO will remain a partner in achieving greater heights for Davao City tourism. 

She also bared the good news that Davao will be hosting MICECon 2022 in the last quarter. 

DATA, founded in 1975, is the oldest tourism-oriented group in Davao CIty with members coming from the various industry sectors of hospitality, food, travel and service providers. 



DATA's new members



(Masks were taken off during photo shoot only) 


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