The local government should tap the private sector to help boost the tourism industry, specifically in promoting major local events.

This was the advice of Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte to Pagadian Mayor Samuel Co, who inquired how the lady mayor promotes the month-long celebration of the Kadayawan Festival.

Mayor Sara was here Sunday as the guest of the Pasalamat Festival as a tribute to this city’s patron saint, Sto. Niño. The Pagadianons celebrate the festival as a thanksgiving for all the blessings they received throughout the year.

She said there is a need for the active involvement of the private sector owing to the government’s limited resources in organizing major tourism events.

Mayor Sara said local governments cannot allocate huge amount of funds solely for promoting and holding festivals, lest it would run out of money for crucial programs and projects.

Co said he would take to heart the Davao mayor’s advice, noting that the city government has limited funds to finance its series of festivals that run from December to January. These festivals include the Paskuha in December, Pasalamat Festival and the Chinese New Year in January. (PNA)