The City Tourism Council of Puerto Princesa has proposed of a market tourism product and a Dampa-style marketplace that promotes local culture, sustainable tourism, and community participation.
Mr. Donald Keith Bognoson, president of the City Tourism Council explained that this will definitely boost the city’s tourism potential and help increase the local economic activities that will benefit mostly micro-enterprises.
He said that since the city’s public market in Barangay Mandaragat is expected to open this November 2025, it could be a good start to make it orderly and attractive for tourists. He said that a well-organized marketplace will attract both foreign and domestic tourists and this new public market is not only a potential tourism destination that Puerto Princesa has to offer, but also as a city’s new tourism product.
A Dampa style marketplace that the City Tourism Council is proposing is a Filipino concept of buying fresh seafood from a wet market and having it cooked at nearby restaurants, where local vendors can present fresh and locally sourced products.
In a Sangguniang Panlungsod resolution sponsored by City Councilor Matthew Mendoza, chairman of the committee on tourism expressed the City Council’s support to the proposal of the City Tourism Council.
The resolution explained that this proposed development of a Dampa-style market will highlight the farm-to-market-to-table concept that will not only promote the sustainability of the local farmers and artisans but also enhance the food tourism sector by providing visitors with authentic culinary experiences that highlight the flavors of Puerto Princesa City.
“The promotion and use of locally sourced food and locally made products in the hospitality industry contribute significantly to the economic empowerment of local farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the city,” the resolution reads.
