BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) is preparing to introduce its Voluntourism Program, a project that allows tourists to help local communities while experiencing their culture and traditions. Three pilot areas have been chosen for this program: La Diyang Haven Community in Tuba, Benguet; Maligcong Rice Terraces Community in Bontoc, Mountain Province; and Kiangan Weaving Communities in Kiangan, Ifugao. Once launched, visitors will have the chance to volunteer in farming, weaving, and restoring rice terraces while also exploring the unique attractions of these communities.
DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan explained the program’s goal, saying, “It’s actually combining volunteering and tourism. When you say volunteer, you help and share your crafts or talents. You can volunteer to farm, build, educate, or contribute any skills to the community. You can also help foster peace or take part in a project like restoring rice terraces. Before volunteers join the program, we first identify what activities could be offered to them. At the same time, they also get to explore the tourism attractions, culture, language, dances, cuisines, and environment of the place.” The program was designed to prepare communities for voluntourists while also marketing the experience internationally, as there is a growing demand for meaningful and immersive travel experiences.
To prepare for the program, the Department of Tourism’s Office of Product and Market Development partnered with Certeza Infosys Corporation and TechnoEarth Systems Corporation JV to develop training materials and guidelines. From October 2023 to August 2024, the project included workshops, coaching sessions, and learning materials to help both volunteers and local communities get ready. Preparatory activities also included identifying local coordinators and establishing pricing structures for voluntourism packages. Once implemented, volunteers will be able to sign up for programs lasting from one week to a year, with each package covering both their participation in community projects and their stay in the host community.
While voluntourism presents opportunities for cultural exchange and community development, DOT-CAR has also recognized potential challenges, such as ensuring volunteers have the necessary skills and preventing reliance on external assistance. To address these concerns, the program is being designed to be mutually beneficial for both the volunteers and the local communities. With careful planning and responsible management, Cordillera is set to become a key destination for voluntourism, offering travelers the chance to immerse themselves in local traditions, contribute to meaningful projects, and gain a deeper appreciation of the region’s rich heritage and environment. By Annjay Domilies
