DOT Conducts its First Specialized Training on Pottery in Cagayan Valley
The Department of Tourism, Cagayan Valley Region conducted a training entitled “Pottery as a Tourism and Cultural Experience with Start-Up Package” for the 32 members of Santa Maria Brick Makers and Potters Association last April 18-19, 2022 in Santa Maria, Isabela.
The training was facilitated by Ms. Siegrid Ann Bangyay-Rogers, a famous Potter specializing in Stoneware Pottery Production. Ms. Rogers is a DOT-Accredited Tour Guide and a member of Sagada Environmental Guides Association.
The training entitled Community-Based Tourism Organization – Assistance in Development (CBTO-AID) Program of the Department of Tourism aims to upgrade the knowledge and skills of the association members in the production of pottery products to maximize their income and benefit the community. Improving the livelihood of the potters will help them bounce back from the effects brought about by the pandemic.
The DOT Region 2 awarded pottery equipment for the Santa Maria Brick Makers and Potters Association which includes Pottery Electric Wheel, Grinder, Shovel, Crowbar and Plaster of Paris amounting to P200,000.00. A signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DOT and the Association President Mr. Vicente Quilang took place to ensure that the Start-Up Package will be used by the members of the association in improving their livelihood program.
The Santa Maria Pottery Village was a featured destination during the conduct of Philippine Motorcycle Tourism Caravan last April 25, 2022.
The trainer, Ms. Siegrid Bangyay-Rogers hails from Sagada, mountain Province and has over 22 years of experience in pottery-making. She has attended 25 exhibitions in the Philippines and in the United States of America. At present, she is the Trainer and Training Coordinator in Sagada Pottery Training Center, Sagada, Mountain Province and runs workshops in other locations in the Cordilleras.
Pottery tradition in Santa Maria is an essential attribute of tourism, culture and heritage in the Province of Isabela. Activities are being pursued by the DOT and LGU-Santa Maria to preserve the pottery industry making it as a significant cultural activity in promoting tourism in Cagayan Valley Region