Divilacan Welcomes Heritage Adventurer for Second Consecutive Cruise Port Call
For the second consecutive year, the Municipality of Divilacan, Isabela welcomed an international expedition cruise, reaffirming its growing reputation as an emerging cruise tourism destination in Northern Luzon. Following its successful inaugural hosting in 2025, Divilacan once again served as a port of call for the M/S Heritage Adventurer, which arrived on June 29, 2026 carrying 115 international tourists and 20 expedition team members.
The arrival of the vessel was facilitated through the collaborative efforts of the Isabela Provincial Tourism Office, the Municipality of Divilacan Tourism Office, and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 2. The port call marked the vessel’s second stop in the Philippines after its visit to Calayan Island, Cagayan, as part of its expedition voyage from Taiwan to the Philippines, providing international visitors with the opportunity to experience the natural and cultural attractions of Northern Luzon.
During their stay, the guests participated in Divilacan’s signature shore excursion, “Hidden Divilacan: Culture and Coastal Traditions,” an immersive tourism experience that highlights the municipality’s rich biodiversity, indigenous heritage, and coastal way of life.
The excursion commenced with a guided boat tour of the Dimasalansan Mangrove Forest, where visitors explored one of the municipality’s important coastal ecosystems. Guests observed century-old mangrove trees, visited a crab sanctuary, and learned about community-based oyster farming practices. Other participants enjoyed kayaking along the waters of Dimasalansan White Sand Beach, while some explored the shoreline through beachcombing and swimming, allowing them to appreciate the area’s pristine coastal environment.
A significant component of the excursion was the cultural immersion with the Dumagat Indigenous Community. Guests were accorded a traditional welcome before engaging with community leaders, who shared insights into their customs, traditions, and way of life. The program also included visits to local livelihood sites, such as crab fattening areas, and a guided walk through the community and the village of Dimasalansan. The cultural exchange was further enriched by performances from local schoolchildren, showcasing traditional songs and dances. Visitors likewise sampled local delicacies, viewed locally crafted products and handicrafts, and interacted with community members, fostering meaningful cultural exchange while supporting local livelihoods.
Divilacan’s successful hosting of the Heritage Adventurer for the second consecutive year reflects the municipality’s increasing capability to accommodate international expedition cruises and deliver authentic, community-based tourism experiences. It also demonstrates the sustained collaboration among national government agencies, the provincial and municipal governments, local communities, and tourism stakeholders in advancing cruise tourism in the province.
Cruise tourism continues to create economic opportunities for local communities by generating income for tourism enterprises, promoting locally made products, strengthening community-based tourism initiatives, preserving indigenous cultural heritage, and supporting sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Department of Tourism Region 2, in partnership with the Isabela Provincial Tourism Office, the Municipality of Divilacan Tourism Office, and tourism stakeholders, remains committed to strengthening the Cagayan Valley’s position as a competitive cruise tourism destination by developing sustainable and immersive visitor experiences that showcase the region’s diverse natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and warm Filipino hospitality.#