BONTOC, Mountain Province – Tourism Undersecretary Falconi Millar assured the people and officialdom of the province that the tourism department will help in aggressively promoting Mountain Province as one of the preferred destinations for cultural tourism in recognition of the rich culture, traditions, and heritage that were preserved over the past several decades.
Millar, who was given the name “Farnatan’ or a team leader, said scenic tourist spots and low-cost leisure experiences are not sufficient to attract local and foreign visitors but what is important now is the emotion that goes with the industry which is found in the province’s rich culture and traditions.
“Mountain Province has been identified as a potential ecotourism and cultural tourism destination because of its existing natural scenic tourist spots and the presence of its rich culture and traditions that remain unblemished,” Millar stressed.
The DOT official pointed out the province must maximize its tourism potentials by enticing more local and foreign visitors who can contribute to spurring economic growth in the countryside.
He commended the indigenous peoples of the province for having sustained efforts to preserve and protect their rich culture and traditions that now serve as one of the major tourist attractions being patronized by nature-lovers and visitors who appreciate the beauty of culture.
Millar claimed the tourism department was able to feature the Cordillera in one of its major promotional activities in Pasay City last month and the agency will continue to support the promotion of tourist destinations to achieve the government’s goal of enticing more local and foreign visitors to go around the beautiful spots in the country.
According to him, as one of the adopted sons of Mountain Province, he will remain committed to the aggressive promotion of the tourist spots in the province in both the national and international scenes.
Aside from the famous Sagada caves, Maligcong rice terraces, and Mainit hot springs, Mountain Province is known for its towering and majestic mountains, various waterfalls and river systems in the ten municipalities.
Undersecretary Millar said the country’s tourism industry remains vibrant following the mileage generated by the country’s hosting of the 2016 Miss Universe beauty pageant.
Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr. expressed his gratitude to Undersecretary Millar for his assurance that Mountain Province will be included in the aggressive promotion of various tourist destinations in the country, citing that the implementation of major infrastructure province over the past several years made tourist areas accessible to local and foreign visitors.
By Dexter A. See
