Marco Polo Davao confirmed the news on the “indefinite cessation of hotel operations effective June 15, 2020” in a statement released on its Facebook page on Friday.
“Thank you from the Heart of Davao. Marco Polo Davao is beyond grateful for the overwhelming heartwarming messages received following the news on the indefinite cessation of hotel operations effective June 15, 2020,” it said.
“Our priority is to take care of our associates while the company can. All of you have been the core, and our stewards in building Marco Polo Davao. We will forever be grateful for your unconditional contribution,” it added.
“To all our friends in the community and our valued business partners, daghang salamat from the Heart of Davao ❤️,” the hotel said.
Marco Polo Davao opened in 1998 and has 245 rooms and suites, and 12 function rooms for social gatherings and business meetings.
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Employees thanked Marco Polo Davao
Employees expressed their gratitude to Marco Polo, which is the only five-star hotel in Mindanao.
Housekeeping and laundry attendant Vicente Nalzaro Albarillo was grateful that he had been part of the Marco Polo Hotel for 17 years.
“The decision was announced to all employees of the hotel yesterday (Thursday, May 7) that we only have until June 15. Lucky to be part of the hotel, we are hoping that we can still do something to revive the Marco Polo until its last period,” housekeeping and laundry attendant Vicente Nalzaro Albarillo said. He has served Marco Polo for 17 years.
He said they still had some local and foreign guests, who have been stranded in the city, and employees from business process outsourcing (BPO) companies lodged in the hotel due to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
“There were hints before following the successive earthquakes here in Mindanao. Still we believe that we can get through the trials. Unfortunately, here comes coronavirus messing with us all. But I still believe Marco Polo will be back soon,” Albarillo said.
“I started working with Marco Polo as on-the-job trainee before I become one of their employees. I am truly grateful to be part of a reputable hotel. I have learned so much from them. Following the decision, it is sad. I’m going to miss my job and my colleagues and friends,” Wilkens Dumalagan Suan, a barman of the Cafe Marco, said.