BAGUIO CITY, Sept 25 (PIA) — The Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) recognized village destinations in the region with rich cultural values during the Best Cordillera Tourism Village Awarding Ceremony 2024.
DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning Verna Esmeralda Buensuceso and DOT CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan led the awarding of cash prizes, trophies, and certificates of recognition to this year’s Best Tourism Villages at the Baguio Country Club on Sept. 20, 2024.
The Sustainable Tourism Village of Damag, Jacmal, and Bunhian in Aguinaldo, Ifugao, was named as the top winner in this year’s search, with a cash prize of P1,000,000.
The Sustainable Tourism Village of Damag, Jacmal, and Bunhian showcases the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people of the Ifugao people, enhanced by strong community participation and support from barangay officials and local government unit.
Visitors can immerse themselves in vibrant local festivals and traditional crafts while the area’s stunning natural landscapes provide ample opportunities for eco-tourism and outdoor adventures. It is a destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences in a hidden gem of history, culture, and nature.
In second place is the Barangay Shilan Community Tourism Village in La Trinidad, Benguet, winning a cash prize of P500,000.00.
The Shilan Tourism Village is a charming destination known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Located in the heart of Benguet, it offers visitors a glimpse into stunning tourism destinations and products, including vibrant flower farms and traditional crafts. With its cool climate, various natural attractions, and friendly community, Shilan provides a perfect retreat for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
In third place is the Tawang Tourism Village – Liyang Sanctuary in Balbalan, Kalinga, which won cash prizof P 200,000.
The Tawang Tourism Village- Liyang Sanctuary offers a vibrant glimpse into the rich culture and traditions of the indigenous Kalinga people amid the backdrop of natural attractions such as rivers and caves, including the Magangab and Maanus Caves.
Nestled in a picturesque landscape, visitors can experience authentic traditional village experience, and savor authentic local cuisine. This immersive destination provides a unique opportunity for travelers to connect with nature and the community while supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.
Runners-up are the Barlig Poblacion Tourism Village of Barlig in Mountain Province, the Bantay Fruit Basket Tourism Village of Tabuk City in Kalinga ,and the Batad Village – Heritage Site in Banaue, Ifugao. Each received P100,000.00 cash prize.
Finalists include the Kalipkip-Busilac Ecotourism Park in Alfonso Lista, Ifugao; Lubo Village in Tanudan, Kalinga; the Daguioman Tourism Village in Daguioman, Abra; the Heritage House of Licuan-Baay in Licuan-Baay, Abra; the Napua Agri-Tourism Village in Sabangan, Mountain Province and the La-Diyang Haven Community in Tuba, Benguet.
The DOT-CAR also recognized the other participating tourism villages such as the Panaclisan Tourism Village of Licuan-Baay in Abra; the Ngileb Ga’Dang Weaving Community of Alfonso Lista in Ifugao; the Mabato – Lawig – Payawan Tourism Village of Lamut, also in Ifugao; the Dalupa Pasil Community Village of Pasil, Kalinga; the Mangali Tourism Village of Tanudan, Kalinga; the Capinitan Tourism Village of Sabangan, and the Kadaclan Cluster Tourism Village of Barlig, Mountain Province.
In the same event , tourism stakeholders in the Cordillera were also recognized with the Philippine Tourism Awards Regional nominees.
In her message, Ganongan said that the two events highlight the importance of collaboration, and innovation in fostering tourism that is both inclusive and forward-thinking.
“They stand as a testament to our commitment to achieving tourism excellence by continually inspiring and motivating those who help tourism strive in the Cordillera Administrative Region. Our tourism workers, communities, villages, tourism-oriented organizations, establishments, local government units, government agencies, private sector partners, civil society organizations, members of the media, and the academe. Everyone who plays a role in tourism development,” Ganongan said.
In her keynote message, Buensuceso congratulate the winners of the Best Tourism Village and the Philippine Tourism Awards Regional nominees which she said, contributed in the accomplishment for the Philippine tourism.
“We actually gathered to recognize all these exceptional contributions of individuals, of communities, of organizations, that have demonstrated excellence in developing and promoting tourism in this region. And these efforts have not only showcased the unique charm of this region but it has also reinforced the importance of partnerships, of collaborations among the private sector, our local government units, and our local stakeholders, as well as with the Department of Tourism,” she said.
The awarding ceremony was graced by Baguio City Councilor Arthur Alad-iw representing Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson Gladys Vergara, Hotel and Restaurant Association in Baguio President Anthony De Leon, national line agency heads and representatives, local government officials, tourism stakeholders.
Launched in 2022, the search for the best tourism village has attracted the active participation of various tourism villages across the Cordilleras. Underscoring the importance of community-based tourism development in the pursuit of sustainable, responsible, and equitable tourism, these villages balance cultural preservation, community involvement and environmental sustainability. **JDP/RMC/Nicole Pauline Panis & Ydelvess Faith Morales, PIA-SLU Interns
