Davao's New Tourism Circuit Puts Local Delicacies in the Spotlight
The City Government of Davao has officially launched a new tourism circuit designed to highlight the rich culinary heritage of the region. Named the Davao Food Crawl and Market Experience, this initiative takes visitors on a curated journey through the sprawling Bankerohan Public Market, where they can sample well-loved food and delicacies from various stalls and stores.
Iconic Market Establishment Delmar Painitan
One of the standout stops on this circuit is the 54-year-old Delmar Painitan, a market establishment that opened in 1972 by the couple Alberto and Lourdes Delmar. This iconic stall is renowned for its best-selling delicacies, including Puto Maya (sticky rice cake) topped with mango and muscovado sugar, Biko (sweet rice cake), and Sapin-Sapin (layered sticky rice cake). Additionally, it offers Sikwate, a chocolate drink made from Davao cacao beans, and Kinutil, a unique beverage blending Sikwate with tuba (coconut wine), egg, and milk, which has attracted both foreign and local tourists.
Lara Grace Tapiz, the current second-generation owner, shared the story behind the business. "My parents started as vendors, but through hard work, the business improved. Now we have a stall, and since 1972, we have maintained the quality of our offerings. The mixture and quality remain exactly as they were from the beginning," she explained. The delicacies reflect the influences of Alberto and Lourdes, who hailed from Cebu and Bohol, infusing Bisayan flavors with a distinct Davao twist.
Community-Based Tourism and Economic Impact
During the launch of the new circuits, City Tourism Operations Office OIC Willenito Tormis Jr. emphasized the mission behind this initiative. "Our goal is to connect Davao City not just to Dabawenyos but to everyone who wants to visit. We are focusing on community-based tourism, targeting new circuits and experiences," he stated. This approach aims to transform mundane destinations like public markets into vibrant hubs of culture and storytelling.
Department of Tourism-Davao Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan highlighted the broader economic benefits. "This new tourism circuit offers opportunities to communities, farmers, and entrepreneurs, ensuring that the tourism industry contributes meaningfully to local livelihoods," she said. The DOT has partnered with the City Government to validate these circuits, which also include the Davao Abundant Harvest (agro-tourism) and Furosato Davao (pre-war Japanese heritage) circuits launched on March 6.
Preparing for Tourist Influx
For business owners like Tapiz, the new circuits are a significant boost. Although privately initiated tours had previously brought tourists to Bankerohan, the official validation has increased visibility. "Our location in the market helped passersby notice the store, which has now become a go-to site. People appreciate our products more than ever," she noted. Tapiz has prepared her store for the expected influx of visitors by maintaining product quality, cleanliness, and affordable pricing, ensuring that tourists can enjoy authentic delicacies without high costs.
She expressed gratitude for the tourism activity, stating, "We are grateful to the tourism industry because we are slowly becoming known among foreign and local visitors." This sentiment underscores the circuit's role in promoting local entrepreneurship and preserving Davao's culinary traditions while fostering sustainable tourism growth.
