CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Pushing for gender equality and empowerment, the Department of Tourism (DOT) in northern Mindanao highlighted the achievements of women in the tourism industry in the third edition of "Kababainhan Para sa Kalambuan" talk show on March 8.

“According to the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), women make up 54 percent of the tourism workforce. They contribute to various sectors such as hospitality, tour guiding, transportation, and entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, a large number are concentrated in lower-skilled, lower-paid, and often informal employment. Women's participation in tourism is crucial for economic development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment,” said DOT Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan.

She added that DOT empowers women in the tourism industry by conducting gender sensitivity training throughout the year with tourism staff and public and private stakeholders. The agency also holds seminars on tourism, anti-child trafficking ,and other issues related to gender equality.

“We have to make people aware of the importance of gender equality,” said Unchuan.

Moreover, DOT-10 provides economic opportunity to women through various training and interventions, such as livelihood programs like bead making and weaving, community guide training, and local culinary training. The agency’s current training profile has a 67 percent women composition or out of 7,071 trainees, 4,577 are women.

Women and tourism

One of the show's guests, Grace Mahistrado, owner of Alohma's Place and Nature Park, shared her passion that pushed her family to pursue a unique accommodation setup as a source of income, helping the region’s tourism industry fill in a gap during the influx of tourists in Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

“Ang Aloma's Place and Nature Farm, wala gyud namo damha nga mahimong usa ka tourist destination sa Dahilayan, nagsugod lang mi kay naay opportunity--shortage in accommodation sa area, gamay ra ang katulganan, nahitabo nga nidagsa ang mga turista,” said Mahistrado.

[We never thought that Aloma’s Place and Nature Farm would become tourist destination; we started because there was an opportunity — a shortage in accommodation in the area, not enough rooms, especially during an influx of tourists.] 

She added that the “camping” concept was surprisingly appealing to tourists; even the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) then conducted training for teachers at Aloma’s at one point.

"Sa mga kababaihan, dili ta mawad-an og paglaum, labi na sa tourism industry. Kung naa ka sa tourism industry, pwede ra ka dili mangempleyo, pwede ra ka nga naa ra ka sa imong balay," Mahistrado said. 

[To all women, we should not lose hope, especially in the tourism industry. If you are in the tourism industry, you need not be employed; you can just stay at home.]

“Kuyog Ta” launch

The "Kababainhan Para sa Kalambuan” also highlighted the launch of the "Kuyog Ta" campaign, which is a movement that advocates for inclusive tourism and celebrates the diversity of our communities.

 “At its heart, the ‘Kuyog Ta’ campaign is a guiding light of inclusivity, rooted in the belief that tourism should be accessible and enriching for all members of society, regardless of background or circumstance,” said DOT-10’s Chief Tourism Operations Officer Decius Esmedalla.

 He added that the campaign is a call to action to promote diversity, empower local communities, and foster social cohesion and understanding. “It is a commitment to creating tourism experiences that are welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all individuals.”

"Kuyog Ta," or coming together, means standing united in the commitment to building a tourism industry that benefits everyone. 

Moreover, through inspirational narratives and steadfast advocacy, DOT-10 continues to pave the way for women to thrive and excel in the fast-paced tourism industry, leading northern Mindanao towards a future of gender equality and prosperity. (SAYU/PIA-10)