After three years of being postponed, Davao City's hosting of the MiceCon will finally soar high this 2023, and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) was selected as the convention's beneficiary.
PEF is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the endangered Philippine Eagle and its rainforest habitat.
The Philippine Eagle, among the four symbolic icons of Davao City, is a strong symbol apt for this year's MiceCon attached in its logo.
Kennedy Kapulong, former co-chair of Davao MiceCon 2023, said that the “majestic” Philippine Eagle symbolizes the city’s “resilience and strength.”
Kapulong said that selecting PEF as the beneficiary is in line with the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) advocacy for sustainable tourism.
“Likewise, DOT’s sustainability efforts and advocacy can be mirrored with the successful initiatives of PEF to save the national bird. When I was asked for a CSR partner, PEF was the top choice,” he said.
Ann Pelingon, MiceCon Davao head for CSR, also believe that the foundation matches what MiceCon aims to achieve, resiliency from the ever changing times.
"Like Davao City, we are known for being resilient. For how many years, the Philippine eagle has been resilient for how many years. It's symbolic and it's just right that the [Philippine] Eagle [Foundation] be our beneficiary,” she said.
The pandemic, she said, had hugely affected PEF's operation. Now with the threat of the avian flu, Pelingon said that the center needs financial help.
She said the MiceCon wants to contribute in the foundation's conservation effort of sustaining the population of the eagles not only in the city, but for the entire country.
"The center really needs funding, especially in ensuring the preservation of the raptor and other endangered animals being sheltered in the center," Pelingon said.
Proceeds from the convention's registration will go to PEF. In addition, Pelingon said they are also eyeing the delegates to be the center's potential donors.
"At Least the delegates, aside from being potential donors, could also help spread the word in the center's conservation efforts," she said.
With MiceCon's goal towards having a sustainable tourism industry, Pelingon said the convention is a great avenue for this advocacy.
Pelingon, a former PEF volunteer, believed in the importance of preserving the eagles, which is an indicator of a healthy environment.
She also hoped that many would heed the call for more volunteers in the foundation.
Carla Salvacion, PEF conservation education program team leader, said they are thankful that MiceCon selected the foundation as its beneficiary.
"MiceCon is a huge help not only in raising awareness, but also raising funds for the center to continue its run," she said.
Davao MICECON 2023 would like to extend its gratitude to the following government offices and stakeholders: City Government of Davao, DOT Region XI, Tourism Promotions Board, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Dusit D2 Hotel, SM Lanang Premier, Royal Mandaya Hotel, Acacia Hotel, Rogen Inn, Seda Abreeza Hotel, The Ritz at Garden Oases, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Discovery Samal, Agriya, Villa Margarita, Davao Region Cacao Council, Mr & Mrs B, Habi at Kape, Davao Region Coffee Council, Annipie Bakery Cafe, Maan’s Bakeshop, and the Zegen Management Group.
(PR)
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