DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte — After 38 years of defining luxury and tourism in Mindanao, the iconic Dakak Park and Beach Resort has officially transitioned to a new owner. In a statement released on Saturday evening, May 9, 2026, the Jalosjos family announced that they have passed the ownership and management of the “Southern Paradise” to a new entity.
The change in management took effect on Thursday, May 7, 2026, marking the end of nearly four decades of the Jalosjos family’s stewardship over the 156-hectare property.
The Jalosjos family, who transformed the secluded cove in Barangay Taguilon into a world-class destination in 1988, expressed profound gratitude to their patrons.
- A “Meaningful Moment”: The family described the transition as “both meaningful and bittersweet,” thanking the loyal guests, partners, and the Dapitan community who supported the resort’s journey from a hidden gem to an international landmark.
- Legacy of Service: “Your trust and loyalty have been at the heart of Dakak’s enduring legacy,” the family stated. “It has been our honor to be part of your memories.”
The ownership change follows a period of legal complexity for the resort. In early 2025, a Supreme Court ruling ordered the resort to vacate a small 1,602-square-meter parcel of land within the property due to a long-standing lease dispute.
While management clarified in mid-2025 that the dispute involved less than 1% of the total land area and did not affect guest operations, the decision to transfer the entire resort to a new entity represents a significant “branding and management reset” for the Dapitan landmark.
While the identity of the new owner has not been explicitly named in the initial announcement, the transition is expected to bring:
- Operational Continuity: The resort remains fully operational, continuing to offer its signature amenities, including the Dakak Adventure Zone (home to one of the country’s longest dual ziplines).
- Strategic Partnerships: Sources indicate the new management is looking to expand “sustainable tourism” initiatives and explore new business collaborations to revitalize the brand for a younger generation of travelers.
- Modernization: Following a major renovation in 2022, the resort is poised for further infrastructure updates under the new leadership.
As the flagship destination of Dapitan City, the future of Dakak is inextricably linked to the local economy. The city government has expressed optimism that the new management will maintain the resort’s high standards of Filipino hospitality while injecting fresh capital into the region’s tourism sector.
The Jalosjos family, meanwhile, remains a prominent fixture in the region, continuing to manage other major local ventures such as Gloria de Dapitan and Gloria’s Fantasyland.