The Davao City Government has officially launched its annual renewal period for business permits and tourism certificates, marking a crucial start to the 2026 fiscal year for local enterprises.
Renewal Period and Processing Sites
Processing for business permit renewals opened on Monday, January 5, 2026. Business owners flocked to the Davao City Government Business Bureau to secure their permits for the new year. The city has set a deadline of January 31, 2026, for all renewals to be completed.
To accommodate the influx of applicants, the local government has established multiple processing sites across the city's districts. These locations include:
- The Sangguniang Panlungsod Building in Poblacion
- Almendras Gym
- Calinan Gym
- District treasury offices in Baguio, Marilog, Tugbok, Toril, Bunawan, and Paquibato
Mandatory Tourism Certificate Registration
In a separate but parallel announcement, the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) declared on Tuesday, January 6, the opening of registration and renewal for the City Tourism Certificate for 2026.
This certificate is a mandatory requirement for all primary and secondary tourism-related businesses operating within Davao City. It serves as official proof that an establishment supports quality and responsible tourism, complies with city regulations, and helps build trust with visitors.
Charlotte B. Parba, Administrative Officer II of the CTOO, emphasized the benefits of certification. She stated that certified establishments are included in the city's official inventory and are eligible for inclusion in tourism promotional activities.
"It will also add legitimacy to their operations," Parba explained. "This makes tourists and guests more confident that they are visiting or staying in a tourism-certified establishment, meaning it has gone through the regulatory process before being granted a certificate."
Which Businesses Must Register?
The CTOO categorizes tourism establishments into primary and secondary types.
Primary tourism establishments include hotels, apartelles, Mabuhay Accommodations (such as tourist inns, pension houses, motels, and vacation homes), travel and tour agencies, resorts, land and sea tourist transport operators, tour guides, and professional congress organizers. This category also encompasses online booking platforms like Agoda and Airbnb.
Secondary Tourism Establishments cover a wide range of services, including:
- Agri-Tourism sites and amusement centers
- Coffee shops, restaurants, and refreshment parlors
- KTV/Bar/Lounge/Entertainment venues and recreational facilities
- Souvenir/gift shops, dive shops, and wellness spas
- Special event organizers, sports facilities, and island hopping tour operators
How and Where to Apply
For the City Tourism Certificate, business owners can process their registration or renewal at the Davao City Investment and Tourism Promotion Center Building along Palma Gil Street, 4th Floor. Satellite booths are also available at the Sangguniang Panlungsod and Almendras Gym for added convenience.
The city encourages business owners to complete their renewals well before the January 31 deadline to avoid last-minute rushes and potential penalties for late submission.
For inquiries regarding tourism licensing, interested parties may contact the Davao City Tourism Licensing Office through mobile number 0968-223-0613, landline (082) 285-5755 local 402, or email davaocitytourismlicensing@gmail.com.
