DOT-Region 2 joins the 240th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Batanes and Participates in the Vunung Festival Celebration
The Department of Tourism – Region 2 (DOT-Region 2) proudly joined the momentous 240th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Batanes and actively participated in the vibrant Vunung Festival celebration with the theme, “Moving Forward through the Ivatan Culture of Sharing”. The event, held in Basco, Batanes, showcased the rich cultural heritage and unique traditions of Batanes, further promoting the province as a must-visit destination in the Philippines.
In her speech, the Honorable Governor Marilou H. Cayco expressed her gratitude and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of various Government Agencies in realizing the vision of the provincial government of Batanes. Governor Cayco particularly emphasized the remarkable efforts and significant role played by the Department of Tourism in bolstering the tourism industry of the province.
Governor Cayco commended DOT-Region 2 for its unwavering support and commitment to the development and promotion of Batanes as a premier tourist destination. She highlighted the Department’s initiatives in capacitating the tourism stakeholders and workers while
preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the province, and also ensuring sustainable tourism practices.
” Ang sektor ng turismo ang siyang pangunahin nating pinagkukuhanan ng trabaho, hanap buhay, at kita sa ating Probinsiya. Ito ay malaking bahagi ng ating polisiya at stratehiya sa ating patuloy na pagbangon o economic recovery. Kaya naman, isa rin sa ating pangunahing
programa ay ang patuloy na pagpapalakas ng turismo lalo na ang pagtataguyod ng sustainable tourism practices. Dahil dito, sa pangunguna ng ating Tourism Office sa pamumuno ni Hegel Valones, nakipag-ugnayan tayo sa Department of Tourism upang matulungan tayo lalo na sa mga pagpapalakas at pagsasanay para sa mga toúr guides, tour operators at iba pang mga tourism players, at workers. Maraming salamat sa napakalaking tulong ng DOT” stated Governor Cayco.
Governon Cayco also shared another historic feat for the province of Batanes for its inclusion in the UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories. “Ikinagagalak ko pong ipaalam na tayo ay isa ng Sustainable Tourism Observatory pa direktang naka atach sa United Nations World Tourism Organization. Tayo po ay nag apply noong 2019 at dahil naipasa na natin ang lahat ng requirements, pormal na tayong tutulungan
ng UP at UNWTO para sa monitoring ng sustainable activities na ikabubuti ng Batanes at ng ating turismo”, Governor Cayco added.
DOT-Region 2, under the leadership of Regional Director Troy Alexander Miano, has implemented various programs and projects aimed at strengthening the tourism sector in Batanes. These initiatives include the preservation and promotion of the province’s historical sites, and the establishment of strategic partnerships with stakeholders to create more opportunities for local communities.
“We are honored to have been part of the 240th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Batanes and the remarkable Vunung Festival celebration. Batanes is a jewel in the Philippines, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to promote its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage to a wider audience” stated Regional Director Miano.