DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan, in the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum highlighted the importance of the DOT - DPWH Convergence Program in providing access to remote destinations through the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program or TRIP
BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — More Cordillera destinations are becoming accessible to tourists as the government continues to invest in the Department of Tourism and Department of Public Works and Highways Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP).
Department of Tourism Cordillera Regional Director Jovita Ganongan reported during Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas that from 2022 to 2024, under the Marcos administration, 46.48 kilometers of tourism road projects in the Cordillera were funded under TRIP, totaling about P1.838 billion.
This brings the total to 376.33 kilometers of paved roads across the region, with the government investing about P11.47 billion from 2012 to 2024.
TRIP provided 22 kilometers of tourism roads in Abra, 61 in Apayao, 135 in Benguet, 68 in Ifugao, 17 in Kalinga, 66 in Mountain Province and three in Baguio City.
The DOT-DPWH convergence program aims to improve connectivity to emerging and lesser-known tourist destinations, enhancing accessibility, fostering economic growth and supporting tourism development in the Philippines, Ganongan explained.
“TRIP supports the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), which immerses visitors in our culture and heritage while ensuring tourism benefits reach even the most remote communities,” she added.
Ganongan also shared that to bring in more destinations to the region, and in line with PEP, DOT-Cordillera Administrative Region has initiated and institutionalized the Search for Best Cordillera Tourism Villages.
“Now in its fourth year, it is a program that recognizes the important role of tourism villages toward ushering in more sustainable, responsible, equitable and participatory rural tourism development,” Ganongan said.
DOT-CAR data shows that since 2022, 66 tourism villages in the Cordillera have joined the search. Winners receive incentives, including cash prizes, to fund community-based tourism projects to enhance tourism service delivery.
In 2024, 19 tourism villages participated, with a combined prize of P2.5 million awarded to the six winners. (JDP/CCD with Je Marie Dannang-PIA CAR-SLU Intern)
