The municipality of Danao celebrated its 65th Foundation Day this week, with officials pointing to a strong year of tourism growth led by the Danao Adventure Park, which brought in P46 million in revenue and drew more than 68,700 visitors in 2025.
Mayor Maria Celeste Cepedoza-Lerion, delivering her State of the Municipal Address during the anniversary celebration on July 9, said tourism has become a major driver of the town’s economy, pointing to the adventure park’s performance as proof of Danao’s ongoing development push.
She said the park’s earnings reaffirm its standing as one of Bohol’s top-performing local government-owned enterprises, generating revenue, creating jobs, spurring business activity and helping fund the municipality’s social service programs.
Visitor arrivals climbed to more than 68,700 last year, up from 56,400 in 2024, underscoring Danao’s rise as one of Bohol’s leading eco-adventure destinations, officials said.
The local government plans to expand the park further, adding new attractions such as the Monkey Trail, Canyon Swing and Spider Web as part of its long-term tourism strategy.
The tourism figures were announced during a week-long Foundation Day celebration held under the theme “Madasigong Danao: Paningkamot, Pasigarbo ug Pag-alagad Alang sa Malungtarong Kalamboan,” or “Vibrant Danao: Effort, Pride and Service for Sustainable Development.”
Festivities included the first Inter-Barangay Basketball League, programs for solo parents and persons with disabilities, Francisco Dagohoy Day rites, veterinary and medical missions, the BOSS Negosyo Caravan, the traditional Laro ng Lahi games, disaster resilience forums, and the blessing and groundbreaking of several local government projects.
Residents also took part in a surgical, dental and medical mission, while several couples were married during a Kasalan ng Bayan mass wedding ahead of the celebration’s culminating events, which included a Holy Mass, a civic parade, the foundation program and sports competitions.
Lerion called the anniversary both a celebration of Danao’s history and a reaffirmation of the local government’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive development.
Vice Mayor Joe Jose Gonzaga Cepedoza, a former mayor, reflected on the town’s development over the years and said he was confident Danao’s progress would continue under the current administration.
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado, Vice Gov. Nicanor Besas and 2nd District Rep. Maria Vanessa Aumentado sent messages of support through representatives, while Board Member Jamie Aumentado Villamor and Philippine Councilors League-Bohol Chapter President Joahna Cabalit-Initay addressed residents in person.
The Bohol provincial government also turned over P375,000 in financial assistance to two barangays in Danao during the celebration, with Board Member Villamor leading the distribution.
Barangay Santo Niño received P200,000, while Barangay Hibale received P175,000 to support local development initiatives.
Danao became an independent municipality on July 9, 1961, through Executive Order No. 422, signed by then-President Carlos P. Garcia.
The town, which traces its roots to Talibon, now comprises 17 barangays.
Danao is also home to Barangay Magtangtang, the mountain stronghold of Francisco Dagohoy, whose 85-year revolt against Spanish colonial rule is the longest in Philippine history.
Officials said the town will continue building on its historical heritage while strengthening tourism, public services and economic opportunities under the banner #UswagDanao.