BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) recognized and awarded the best tourism villages in the region that have emerged towards being sustainable, responsible, and devolved in promoting their rich culture and heritage of the region.
DOT-CAR awarded the Best Cordillera Tourism Village to a clustered village of Baang, Hapao, and Nungulunan in Hungduan town of the Ifugao province.
When asked about the importance of the award and what else the village has in store for its visitors, Nungulunan barangay chairperson Rodolfo Dong-e said the award would immensely help the villages continuously improve and promote their culture. The villages will get to experience traditions such as a celebration after harvests called’ punnok’ and even the chance to be part of a ‘cañao,’
The winning tourism village received a plaque, token, and Php 1 million prizes.
The Second place was awarded to the Pidlisan Village in Sagada, Mountain Province, which received Php 500,000, a plaque and token. The third spot was awarded to the Naneng Heritage Village of Tabuk City, Kalinga, with Php 200,000 cash prize, a plaque of recognition and token.
The other best tourism villages that were part of the short-list and were also given recognition were Maligcong Village in Bontoc, Mountain Province; Abra Village Community in Santa Marcela, Apayao; Nagacadan Open Air Museum in Kiangan, Ifugao; Guinzadan Tripartite Tourism Village in Bauko, Mountain Province.
Further recognized were La Diyang Haven in Tuba, Benguet; Balbalasang Proper “Pasual” in Balbalasang, Balbalan, Kalinga; Marag Tourism Village in Marag, Luna, Apayao; Pasil Slow Food Community in Dangatan, Pasil, Kalinga; and lastly, Bila Tourism Village in Bauko, Mountain Province.
DOT-CAR regional director Jovita Ganongan explained the importance of recognizing, embracing, and promoting our cultural roots, as this is part of who we are as Filipinos.
Ganongan also recognizes how community-based tourism breathes life and soul into the villages and, thus, must be sustainable so that the heritage will not be exploited but appreciated.
“When communities take part in an endeavor, there becomes a sense of ownership that we permit a sense of pride and empowerment. This will pave the way for tourism to become a major economic driver, uplifting the lives of each member of the community while ensuring that our culture and traditions are continuously celebrated evolving through the times but grounded on the community values that have allowed us to be united and proud,” Ganongan added.
The Best Tourism Village award was launched last December to recognize tourism’s important role in ushering for more sustainable, responsible, and developed tourism.
DOT Assistant Secretary Engineer Christopher V. Morales added that the contest aims to accelerate economic, social, cultural, and environmental growth in rural areas.
By Graysheil Frae Runes