Beyond the glitz of cultural street dances and jewelry expos, Davao de Oro is preparing to broadcast a louder message to the world: it is open for high-end tourism and serious business.

As the province gears up for the 19th Bulawan Festival and its 28th founding anniversary from Feb. 28 to March 8, local officials are pivoting the celebration toward global recognition.

Ma. Janice Boiser, head of the Provincial Administrator’s Office–Investment Division, said Wednesday the festivities are designed to promote the province’s tourism industry on an international stage.

A centerpiece of this year’s celebration is a dedicated forum aimed at highlighting tourism and investment opportunities. By hosting events in first-class resorts, the provincial government intends to prove that Davao de Oro can compete with top-tier global destinations.

“We want the whole world to know that we have this first-class destination,” Boiser said during a press briefing. “During the forum, we are inviting neighboring provinces because we want to inform them that Davao de Oro offers this kind of destination”.

The province’s tourism pitch spans “from islands to highlands”. Boiser pointed to Maragusan town as a prime example, where visitors can witness the ethereal “sea of clouds,” a natural attraction the province hopes will become a bucket-list item for international travelers.

However, the “golden opportunities” mentioned by officials extend beyond the scenery. The provincial government is using the festival as a platform to market its thriving commodities, particularly coffee and cacao.

“We want to be known to other regions, and we want to show that the festival is not only about cultural presentations but also reflects the character of the people of Davao de Oro,” Boiser added.

Backed by a PHP50 million budget, the 10-day celebration features a packed calendar, including the Motour Ride 2026, the Jewelry Expo, and the Binibining Davao de Oro pageant.

Other activities range from a Mobile Legends Tournament to the Indak-Indak sa Bulawan street dance, all designed to weave together the province’s economic ambitions with its cultural identity. (PNA)