How to put a good impression on tourists in the starting point of the white water rafting adventure? Make a nice shop for souvenir items.
Sitio Aura, Mambuaya, Cagayan de Oro city have been the starting point of the basic white water rafting, and for more than a decade the place have experienced a large number of tourist traffic, including national and international celebrities. The Department of Labor and Employment Misamis Oriental West (DOLE Mis.Or. West) and Dire Husi Initiatives, Inc. (DHII) have partnered in helping Cagayan de Oro River Guides and Vendors Association (CDORGAVA) in upgrading their enterprise. For years the wives of the local river guides have been selling in the starting point with products brought in the public market and made not locally but abroad and cheap. A few weeks ago Dire Husi Initiatives headed by ED Julius Verdadero with DHII artisans have taught CDORGAVA crafts making and silkscreen printing, DOLE Mis.Or West have provided the budget for this activity. So they made their own product now, what’s next? Next stop Souvenir shop. Upper Puerto Youth Association (UPYA) members have joined in helping build the souvenir shop of CDORGAVA. These creative youths from barangay Puerto extended their creativity to barangay Mambuaya, putting creative expressions to the floors up to the ceilings of the shop, making the place alive with colors and design.
May 31, 2013, the souvenir shop of CDORGAVA was opened to the tourist’s public by no less than a powerhouse of guest of honors; DOLE 10 Regional Director Johnson Cañete, DOLE 10 ARD Crispin Dannug Jr., DOLE MisOrWest Provincial Director Atheneus Vasallo also with Brgy. Mambuaya Chairman Agustin Bagongon, CDORGAVA Pres. Russel Lopez, me and 50 plus DOLE 10 staff.
When a tourist arrives in the starting point of the famous white water capital of the country, went out of the jeep, and being greeted by a nice looking shop with products being made and crafted locally. The tourist will be excited to buy bringing nice memories to be shared and recommend to friends. CDORGAVA is blessed to have DOLE 10 and Dire Husi Initiatives as partners for progress. Tourism means jobs.
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the souvenir shop  of CDORGAVA w/ DOLE 10 ARD Crispin Dannug Jr |
