CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) – Region 10 is expanding Northern Mindanao’s tourism industry by creating and promoting mountain adventure circuits.
During the 7th episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, DOT 10 Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan highlighted the region’s unique distinction: being home to four out of the eight ASEAN heritage sites in the Philippines, namely: (1) Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park (Bukidnon), (2) Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (Misamis Occidental), (3) Mt. Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument (Camiguin), and (4) Mt. Inayawan Range Natural Park (Lanao del Norte).
To capitalize on these natural wonders, DOT-10 is actively promoting mountain tourism through initiatives like supporting the Climb Camiguin event and the 11th All Women’s Climb in Malitbog, Bukidnon.
The regional office also has initiatives on cultural immersion and promoting sustainable bird-watching experiences in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.
RD Unchuan emphasized that their commitment extends beyond these events, as DOT-10 is investing in capacity building and providing assistance for mountain guides and communities, ensuring both tourism development and opportunities for indigents residing in these destinations.
Region 10’s tourism, under the brand “Limitless Adventures,” is actively promoting diverse tourism sectors (e.g., diving, biking, eco-tourism, sports tourism) where mountain tourism easily fits in.
According to RD Unchuan, tourist arrivals surged from 1.6 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2023, reflecting a 56.29 percent increase. Mountain tourism is expected to contribute to the steady growth of tourist arrivals in the region this year. (PIA-10)
The Department of Tourism-10 actively promotes mountain tourism by capitalizing on the four ASEAN heritage sites located in Northern Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of DOT-10)
