DOT, Batanes Seal ₱500,000 Grant for Hornedo Collection Heritage Hub
The Department of Tourism (DOT) continues to strengthen heritage conservation and cultural tourism in Cagayan Valley through its partnership with local government units and community organizations, highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Provincial Government of Batanes for a ₱500,000 financial assistance grant for the development of the Hornedo Collection: Dr. Florentino H. Hornedo Library and Cultural Artifacts Exhibit.
The grant will support the implementation of the Heritage Hub under the program “Enriching Experiences and Enriching the Overall Tourist Journey.” The initiative recognizes the value of the Hornedo Collection as a repository of local knowledge, cultural artifacts, and historical accounts that contribute to preserving Batanes’ rich heritage while providing opportunities for cultural education and research.
Through this partnership, the DOT aims to help make local heritage more accessible to both residents and visitors, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the history, traditions, and cultural identity of the communities they visit.
The Heritage Hub initiative forms part of the Department’s continuing efforts to improve tourism standards across the region by promoting authentic cultural experiences, strengthening destination management, enhancing tourism products, and creating more meaningful and seamless visitor journeys.
Aside from Batanes, the DOT is also extending financial assistance to the Gomez Ethnic Women Weavers Association (GEWWA) in Cabarroguis, Quirino, in recognition of the important role of local communities and cultural practitioners in preserving and promoting the region’s living heritage.
Meanwhile, the Department is awaiting the signed MOAs for the corresponding grants to the Provincial Governments of Isabela, Cagayan, and Nueva Vizcaya for their respective proposed Heritage Hub projects.
With a total project allocation of ₱2,615,384.60, the initiative reflects the DOT’s commitment to supporting heritage-based tourism development throughout Cagayan Valley. By investing in libraries, cultural exhibits, traditional crafts, and community-led heritage initiatives, the Department seeks to ensure that the region’s cultural assets are not only preserved but also developed into meaningful tourism experiences that benefit local communities.
Through the Heritage Hub program, the DOT continues to work with provincial governments and community organizations to connect tourism with the region’s history, traditions, creativity, and identity—ensuring that visitors take home not only memorable experiences but also a greater appreciation of the people and culture that make Cagayan Valley unique.