CEBU CITY – The city government of Dapitan is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of its hosting of Ironman 5150 Dapitan on Sept. 10.
A delegation from Dapitan led by Mayor Seth Frederick P. Jalosjos flew to Davao City to observe the conduct of the Ironman 70.3 Davao on Sunday, March 26.
DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian Duterte (center) welcomes Dapitan Mayor Seth Frederick P. Jalosjos (in black barong) at the Davao City Hall. Jalosjos led a delegation from Dapitan which flew to Davao to observe the conduct of the Ironman 70.3 Davao as part of Dapitan’s preparation for the hosting of the international race. (Contributed photo)
Jalosjos was joined in the benchmarking by chiefs of different departments who are directly involved in the preparation for Ironman 5150 Dapitan.
He and other members of the delegation will observe Davao's preparations and meet their counterparts to have an idea and replicate the strategy for its hosting of the prestigious international race.
Jalosjos said although Dapitan’s Ironman hosting is still months away, his administration is already taking necessary steps to make sure that the city’s first-ever hosting of the event will be a resounding success.
“We want nothing but the best to both promote and market Dapitan City through the holding of international events, to lure international tourists to come here as participants,” Jalosjos said.
Dapitan is known to be the center for tourism in Zamboanga Peninsula and maintained its distinction as the most-visited place and the most improved local government unit in Region 9 from 2015 to 2022.
“Dapitan is also known as the place where all members of the family has something to be interested in and also a place of interest for strong heritage tourism and sports tourism enthusiasts,” said city Tourism Officer Apple Marie Agolong who was part of the Dapitan delegation to Davao.
Dapitan is not new to hosting big sporting and other significant events. The city has hosted the National Chess Tournament, Mutya ng Pilipinas, Universal Reality Combat Championship, and National Drag Racing Championship, among others.
As a sportsman himself, Jalosjos knows the importance of making every sporting event an enjoyable one, Agolong said.
“Mayor Seth is a triathlete and multi-sport athlete and he wants to make sure that Dapitan will prepare thoroughly and give the participants representing each of their countries a competition to remember,” said Agolong.