BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Cordillera region is a true gem in the Philippine tourism landscape offering a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural heritage and mountain experiences. It embodies the very essence of Philippine tourism that capitalizes on culture, heritage and natural endowments.
Department of Tourism-Cordillera (DOT-CAR) Regional Director Jovita Ganongan stressed this during the Kaphan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday, July 9.
With its rich cultural heritage and the unique tourism experiences the region offers, the Cordillera plays a vital part in the country’s tourism industry as it recovers from the slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ganongan said.
According to the DOT, the Philippine tourism industry, guided by the National Tourism Development Plan 2023 – 2028 under the Marcos Administration, is recovering faster than expected.
DOT data show there were 5.45 million international arrivals in the country for 2023, exceeding the target of 4.8 million.
In the Cordillera, Ganongan reported that the region recorded a total of 1,685,133 tourist arrivals in 2023, a 31.15 percent increase compared to the 1,284,906 recorded in 2022.
Enhancing overall tourist experience, the DOT-CAR initiated the Festival of Festivals in Baguio City showcasing Cordillera’s major festivals that include the Lapat Festival of Apayao, the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City, the Adivay festival of Benguet, the Gotad Ad Ifugao; the Laga Festival of Lubuagan, Kalinga, the Matagoan Festival of Tabuk City, and the Lang-ay Festival of Mountain Province.
In promoting community-based tourism, the DOT-CAR also launched the Search for Best Cordillera Tourism Village in 2022, a recognition and awarding program for villages that embrace tourism to provide economic opportunity and drive sustainable development.
Last year, the search garnered 20 entries and six were awarded as finalists, namely; Barangay Bagumbayan Coffee Village in Tabuk City, Kalinga; Bila Tourism Village in Bauko, Mountain Province; Balbalasang Eco – Village in Balbalan, Kalinga; Tawang Tourism Village, also in Balbalan; Chaya Heritage Village in Mayoyao, Ifugao, and Nagacagan Open Air Museum in Kiangan, Ifugao.
The Cordillera also has a strong potential in farm and food tourism. DOT-CAR, in partnership with the City Government of Baguio, institutionalized the annual conduct of the Mangan Taku (Let’s Eat) Cordillera Food Fair featuring indigenous and innovative culinary cuisine and farm/agricultural products, including the slow food communities from the different parts of the region.
Ganongan also reported the advancement of mountain, nature, adventure, creative and wellness tourism in the Cordillera through the conduct of various events, activities and fora.
Another vital component in the development of the tourism industry in the region is the DOT and Department of Public Works and Highways convergence program constructing or improving roads leading to tourist destinations. Around P10.77 billion was already invested in the convergence program involving 361,724 kilometers of road, and additional 8,297 kilometers of road projects for this year.
Ganongan assured that the DOT-CAR remains committed to the sustainable development of the Cordillera tourism industry.
“As we continue to navigate the path forward, our commitment remains steadfast to foster a tourism landscape that is inclusive, sustainable and deeply respectful of our unique cultural and natural heritage. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we look forward to building a vibrant future for the Cordillera region, one that brings prosperity and pride to the Filipino people, especially our indigenous communities,” she said. (CCD/PIA CAR)
