DOT Region 2, Cagayan Tourism Office, and LGU Baggao Validate “Experience Baggao” Tourism Circuit
The Department of Tourism Region 2 (DOT Region 2), in collaboration with the Cagayan Tourism Office and the Municipality of Baggao, officially commenced the validation of the Three (3) Days and Two (2) Nights “Experience Baggao: A Destination Beyond Imagination” Tourism Circuit, reinforcing their shared commitment to positioning Baggao as a competitive and sustainable eco-tourism destination.
The initiative forms part of the Municipality’s tourism development agenda, supported through a Php 1 million financial assistance grant from DOT Region 2. The funding aims to strengthen tourism infrastructure, enhance product development, and build the capacity of local stakeholders toward developing competitive and sustainable tourism offerings.
The validation activity seeks to assess the readiness, safety, sustainability, and marketability of Baggao’s tourism products and experiences for potential inclusion in packaged tour offerings. It also provides a collaborative platform for national, regional, provincial, and local tourism stakeholders to ensure alignment with industry standards and visitor expectations.
The first day of validation featured a curated mix of faith-based, culinary, rural, and adventure tourism experiences that highlight the Municipality’s diverse tourism assets.
Participants visited the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph the Worker, showcasing Baggao’s religious and cultural heritage. The group proceeded to the Laglagto Rock Formations, where they experienced the Carabao “Karro” Riding—an initiative that provides supplemental livelihood support to local farmers during periods when their carabaos are not utilized for agricultural work.
Beyond offering a unique rural experience, the activity enriches the tourism narrative by showcasing Baggao’s expansive farmlands along the scenic route to the rock formations, allowing visitors to appreciate the municipality’s agricultural landscape and countryside charm.
The day concluded with an exploration of the Duba Cave and Underground River, where participants engaged in boating, swimming, cliff jumping, caving, and bat watching—further highlighting Baggao’s strong ecotourism and adventure tourism potential.
The validation tour was attended by representatives from the Office of Product Development and Tourism Planning and Development Division of the DOT Central Office, Regional Tourism Development Plan consultants, tour guides, tour operators, travel agencies, and invited tourism stakeholders.
Validation activities will continue until February 21 as DOT Region 2, the Cagayan Tourism Office, LGU Baggao, and invited participants will further assess the circuit’s components, reaffirming their shared commitment to developing sustainable, market-ready, and community-driven tourism experiences in Baggao.#
