CITY OF TAGUM, DAVAO DEL NORTE—The Palm City Photography Contest cum Exhibition formally opened in a simple yet meaningful ceremony last August 1, 2012 at the Gaisano Grand Mall Atrium, thereby opening its doors to the public who are eager to know the many varieties of palm trees that grow here.
About 169 photographs of different palm trees from 38 participating photographers based in Tagum City and from other parts of Davao Region are on display starting August 1 until August 5 from 9 AM- 8 PM.
City Mayor Rey T. Uy, City Councilor Maria Lina F. Baura, City Administrator Rafael E. Abrenica and other department heads led the bigwigs who graced the formal opening of the exhibit, which was organized by the Tagum City Information Office.
“These palm trees has become an icon of our pursuit for development without sacrificing our environment,” said Councilor Baura in his opening message before the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Several photographers also witnessed the opening of the exhibit, who researched about the names of their subjects which are the palm trees as printed in the title plates placed below their photo entries.
The exhibition aims to visually narrate Tagum as the Palm City of the Philippines, with its many varieties that dot in its major thoroughfares, plazas, academic institutions, government structures, villages and other public places.
It’s been almost seven years since the City Government of Tagum through the leadership of Mayor Uy jumpstarted the massive planting of palm trees and as of this writing, the City Agriculture Office disclosed that there are already 22 kinds of palms that are existing in Tagum.
The Department of Tourism acknowledged City Ordinance No. 280, s. 2006 which earned the city as the official Palm City of the country.
Meanwhile, taking part in the contest as members of the panel of judges are Columnist and Professional Photographer Jojie Alcantara, GMA Davao Correspondents John Paul Seniel and Real Sorroche, Award-winning Travel Blogger and Photographer Mr. Rolan Emboscado, Miss Star Algones of Canon Marketing Philippines and a Lifestyle Photographer Mr. Ferdinand Galang of Hexat Mining Corporation.
The LGU Tagum allocated 40,000 pesos in cash prizes for this contest and the awarding ceremony will be on August 5, 2012, 1:00 PM at the Gaisano Grand Mall Atrium.
