LAGAWE, IFUGAO – – The private sector profoundly plays a major role on the tourism industry. Yet, the local government is in no mood to harness the expertise of knowledgeable individuals in the private sector. A game-changing shift is needed. This could really change the scenario. Here’s why and how.
The best way to understand and appreciate Cordillera tourism is to visit the Sustainable Tourism Villages of Damag, Jacmal and Banhian in Aguinaldo, Ifugao. Rightly so, the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) acknowledged it as the Best Tourism Village of 2024.
Highly-placed officials of the tourism department joined barangay council and municipal government officials during the awarding ceremonies recently in Baguio City. Attendees truly appreciated the presence of DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning Verna Esmeralda Buensuceso and Regional Director Jovita Ganonjan at the program.
Earlier, Aguinaldo Sangguniang Bayan secretary James Frederick Dulnuan underscored the “key” role of the Sustainable Tourism Village of Damag, Jacmal and Banhian “This well-known destination truly attracts local and foreign tourists. We’re conscious of the need to promote this site. We’re aware of its contribution to the people in terms of livelihood ventures,” he said. “We care for the local economy,” he added.
This accomplishment certainly was no small feat because of the contributions of Dulnuan.The people’s industry and diligence also contributed to its success.
Dulnuan, a long-time tourism advocate, also served as board member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, where he served with distinction.
Ifugao has a number of attractions in its 11 towns. Yet, it continues to draw an insignificant record of visitors. It has been said that tourism generates jobs and income. Poverty incidence is still quite high in this upland Cordillera province. Unemployment rate remains a major concern in a province also presently battered by the effects of the high cost of living.
The handful tourists are generally staying for a few days in Banaue. The telling point right now is the lack of hotels and lodging inns in towns like Aguinaldo.
All things considered it is absolutely clear with the celebrations and euphoria over it is high time for Aguinaldo as well as Ifugao provincial officials to think of what is next. Hotelrooms should be available when and where tourists need them.
As it is, private sector stakeholders and barangay council officials should work together in identifying strategies to enhance the availability of world-class facilities for visitors in order to fulfill the requirements of modern-day tourism industry. Surely, stakeholders form the civilian sector and would play an important role in ensuring that government programs efficiently address the needs of the tourism industry.
The importance of this sector’s viewpoints is hard to deny. As the government strengthen its efforts in tourism promotion, collaboration between barangay and private sector leaders demonstrate a useful approach in upscaling the tourism infrastructure.
Could Ifugao government officials be on the cusp of a rare, creative breakthrough by listening from “someone” in the private sector? Consider learning more information and brushing up on the ones you already have.
The first step in improving the province’s dismal tourism record is not to be afraid of listening to the refreshing observations from the private sector. To make a turnaround, a “technocrat” who shall practically burst into the seen with a big bang and discard outdated plans, is needed.
The journey from Manila to Aguinaldo by bus lasts about 12 hours. But due to transfers (by vans), travel time is longer. Waiting for the next ride is a problem. Thus, there is a need for a direct bus route- Manila to Aguinaldo through Ohayami Trans bus. Another way of increasing tourism arrivals is the introduction of package tours.
The move to modernize the tourism infrastructure is undeniably a positive step forward. For poor provinces like Ifugao, it will take time, so it should quickly start now. By 2025, incoming officials should provide long-term solutions to the problems hounding the tourism industry as a key to building a strong local economy. Moving forward, voters have an opportunity to choose Leaders with Vision, who shall conceptualize out-of-the-box ideas and finally look into “tourist arrivals” data and charts instead of merely citing the place “rich cultural heritage” because that’s pretty obvious. The road to drawing more domestic and international tourists involves attuning to modern trends in tourism promotion. It’s ultimately the sole option!**Anthony A. Araos
