Strengthen operational system, personal efficiency and technical resource components to boost the promotion and development of tourism.

(A). Legal Mandate
The service offered by the PAO-Tourism Division i.e. tourism development and promotion services pursuant to RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991. Under Chapter I Section 17 of the said Law, the basic services and facilities for a province shall include:

– Tourism Development and Promotion Programs
– To oversee and manage the tourism facilities and other tourist attractions; acquisition of equipment,
– regulation and supervision of business concessions, and security services

Republic Act (RA) 9593 also known as the Tourism Act of 2009 was enacted in May 12, 2009. The law is considered as the Omnibus Tourism Code. Its general provision stated in Section 1 is to harness its potentials “as an engine of socio-economic growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange and employment and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of national pride for all Filipinos.

Further, RA 9593- Tourism Act of 2009 (Sections 42-44) states that: SECTION 42. Tourism Officers. — Every province, city or municipality in which tourism is a significant industry shall have a permanent position for a tourism officer. He or she shall be responsible for preparing, implementing and updating local tourism development plans, and enforcing tourism laws, rules and regulations. In the performance of his or her functions, the tourism officer shall coordinate with the Department and its attached agencies.

Moreover, under the Provincial Tourism Code of 2022, Article 5, Section 24- Provincial Tourism Office. There shall be created a provincial tourism office under the Office of the Governor with the status of a Department. The Provincial Tourism Office will primarily be the implementing arm for the programs, policies and projects relating to tourism and culture including the marketing and promotion of the tourism industry in the province. It shall pursue the development of DdO tourism industry in adherence to the tourism code of Davao de Oro.

(B). Core Functions The PAO-Tourism Division will work towards achieving the new vision of the province of Davao de Oro that is to be the premier tourism and investment destination in Mindanao. In order to achieve this vision, the PAO-Tourism Division sets to ensure a vibrant local economy with the following objectives:
– To develop and market competitive products and destinations
– To improve market access, connectivity and destination infrastructure
– To initiate the institutionalization of tourism policies
– To improve tourism services and management

MFO1: Tourism Planning and Policy Services;

MFO2: Tourism Promotion Services

MFO3: Tourism Regulatory Services

MFO4: Tourism Advisory Services

MFO5: Other support services