BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The search is on for this year’s best tourism villages in the Cordillera. The Department of Tourism-Cordillera launched on Wednesday (February 12) in Baguio City this search which aims to recognize and promote exemplary tourism villages in the region that excel in sustainable tourism practices, cultural preservation and community-driven development.
These are villages have a clear commitment to sustainability in all its aspects: economic, social and environmental, in its development of tourism as one of the drivers of rural development and community well-being.
DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan said the Best Tourism Village award is more than just a recognition, it is a commitment to elevating the tourism sector and encouraging best practices that benefit both visitors and residents.
“This initiative will serve as a platform for sharing successful stories, fostering partnerships and developing a stronger tourism ecosystem that champions local heritage and empowers communities, ” Ganongan stressed.
The main components of a tourism village are cultural heritage and traditions, sustainable infrastructure and facilities, local economy and community involvement, natural environment and ecotourism, tourism services and activities, health and safety standards.
The entries for the search will be screened based on Sustainable Management (25%), socio-economic and rural economic development sustainability (25%), cultural sustainability (25%) and environmental sustainability (25%). Winning tourism villages are given incentives (cash prizes) to fund community-based tourism projects that will enhance tourism service delivery of a community.
The first place goes home with one ₱1,000,000. The second and third placers will win ₱500,000 and ₱200,000, respectively. Three runner-up will receive ₱100,000 each.
Since the search started in 2022, 66 tourism villages in the Cordillera have participated.
The top winners are the Hapao-Baang-Nungulunan Clustered Tourism Village of Hungduan, Ifugao in 2022; the Bagumbayan Coffee Village of Tabuk City, Kalinga in 2023, and the Sustainable Tourism Village of Damag, Jacmal and Budhian of Aguinaldo, Ifugao in 2024.
Ganongan renews call to Cordillera communities and key tourism stakeholders to support the staging of the fourth Search for Best Tourism Villages in Cordillera.
“So as we move forward, I encourage all stakeholders, government officials, local leaders and media representatives to work together in highlighting the unique offerings of our tourism villages. Let us spread the word about their strengths and advantages, inspire others to take part and create a lasting impact on our cultural landscapes,” Ganongan said.
“Let’s celebrate our villages for their resilience, diversity and exceptional contributions to our tourism industry. Together, we can ensure that they not only thrive today but also continue to flourish for generations to come. Thank you once again for your time, dedication and support. Together, let’s make this initiative a resounding success,” she added.
To those who are interested to join, application forms are available at the provincial and municipal tourism offices in CAR or can be downloaded at http//bit.ly/SBTV2023ApplicationForm.
Deadline of submission of applications will be on March 12, 2025.(JDP/CCD with Janine Laureta & Je Marie Danang-PIA-SLU Interns)
