Research Setting

The primary focus of this research is to examine the impact of developing

ecotourism destinations in the Marilog District of Davao City. Nestled 4,000 feet above

sea level, this picturesque district is tucked away in the mountains, boasting a stunning

environment and an ideal temperature of 20 °C, making it perfect for both farming and

attracting tourists (SOCOTEC, n.d.). The local population in Marilog relies on agriculture

and the creation of ecotourism destinations to draw in visitors and bolster their income.

Marilog District offers a plethora of beautiful spots that provide a sense of

relaxation and a deep connection with nature, making it an enticing destination for

tourists. Among the top attractions are Tony's Compound, Mountain View Camping

Grounds, and New Year's Peak Mountain Resort. It is worth noting that these

remarkable tourist spots have yet to receive accreditation from the Department of

Tourism (DOT).

Efforts to develop ecotourism destinations in Marilog District hold immense

potential for both the local community and the tourism industry. By harnessing the

natural beauty of the area and promoting sustainable practices, these initiatives can

contribute to the economic growth of the region while preserving its ecological integrity.

Accreditation from the DOT would not only enhance the credibility and visibility of these

attractions but also ensure that they adhere to the highest standards of quality and

sustainability.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects that ecotourism sites have

on the local populations in Marilog District. Because of its distinctive locally created

goods and magnificent natural surroundings, the district has a lot of promise for tourism.
But it's important to remember that 32% of Marilog's land area is protected, which

highlights how necessary it is to grasp how ecotourism growth may help the community

while protecting the environment. The city of Davao provides tax breaks and expedited

company licensing and permit procedures as inducements for investments in high-

priority districts like Marilog. This study environment offers an excellent chance to

investigate the potential benefits and difficulties of developing ecotourism destinations

within a tribal land context.

An excellent research environment for examining the effects of developing

ecotourism attractions on nearby communities on their tribal territory is Davao City's

Marilog District. First of all, considering the district is located in Davao City, study may

be done there. In research settings, proximity is essential because it makes it simple for

researchers to reach the subject region, engage with the local population, and collect

primary data.

Second, conducting surveys in Marilog District comes at a comparatively cheap

cost. The district, which has 19,433 residents as of the 2020 Census (Philatlas, 2020),

provides a reasonable sample size for surveys and interviews, reducing the expenses

related to data collecting. In addition, a large number of tourists are drawn to the district

by its growing tourism industry and locally produced goods, giving researchers the

chance to interact with both visitors and residents of the neighborhood in order to collect

data.

Finally, the growing tourist sector in Marilog District makes data collection easier.

Researchers may more easily gather information about the effects of ecotourism sites in

the district because of the promotion of its natural wealth and tourist attractiveness. The
existence of tourist destinations and agritourism routes, like Bemwa Farms, gives

academics the chance to see and speak with tourists, residents, and ecotourism

business participants.

In conclusion, Davao City's Marilog District is a great place to do research on the

effects of developing ecotourism sites on the local populations living on their tribal

property since it satisfies the requirements for simplicity of data collection, affordability

of administering surveys, and closeness. Because of the district's accessibility, small

population, and thriving tourism sector, researchers have many possibilities to engage

with members of the local community, visitors, and stakeholders in ecotourism efforts.

References:

Marilog, City of Davao (2020), Philatlas, https://www.philatlas.com/mindanao/r11/davao-

city/marilog.html

SOCOTEC Certification Philippines, Inc. (n.d.). Marilog District. Retrieved from

https://invest.davaocity.gov.ph/marilog-district/>