DOT Region 2 Advances Faith and Food Tourism Through Cultural Tour
In continuation of its Immersive Cultural Tour for Senior Citizens under the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 2 conducted the second day of activities on March 25,2025, further highlighting the region’s rich blend of faith, heritage, and culinary traditions. In line with the celebration of National Women’s Month, the all-women group of senior participants embarked on a spiritually enriching journey that emphasized pilgrimage tourism and local gastronomy as integral components of the Cagayan Valley experience.
The second day of the tour brought participants to several revered pilgrimage sites across the municipalities of Piat, Alcala, and Iguig, each offering a unique expression of faith and devotion. In Piat, widely regarded as the pilgrimage capital of the region, participants visited the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Piat, where they took part in a full Mass, as well as rosary-making and pawa-making activities. The journey continued in Alcala with visits to the St. Padre Pio Parish Church and St. Philomene Parish Church.
In Iguig, known for its scenic religious landscape, participants explored the St. James the Apostle Parish Church and undertook the Stations of the Cross at the Calvary Hills, featuring life-sized representations of all 14 stations. This was followed by a visit to the Poor Saint Clare Monastery of the Eucharistic Lord. Capping off the day’s spiritual itinerary, the group returned to Tuguegarao City to visit the historic Ermita de San Jacinto Chapel. These visits form part of DOT Region 2’s ongoing initiative to develop potential pilgrimage routes in the region, as well as to revalidate and enhance existing ones, in anticipation of increased travel during the Lenten season.
Complementing the spiritual journey was a gastronomic experience that showcased one of the region’s iconic dishes, Pancit Batil Patong. The group was warmly welcomed at Eva’s Panciteria, where they witnessed a live demonstration of the dish’s preparation and plating. The culinary showcase underscored the role of local cuisine in enriching the overall tourism experience, allowing participants to connect more deeply with the region’s culture through its flavors and traditions.
As part of the revalidation process, the second day also provided valuable insights for DOT Region 2 and its partners in assessing site readiness, enhancing visitor experience, and strengthening collaboration with local stakeholders. More importantly, the activity reinforced the importance of inclusive tourism programs that empower senior women, recognizing their role as both cultural stewards and active contributors to tourism development.
With the successful implementation of this two-day immersive experience, DOT Region 2 continues to position Cagayan Valley as a destination where faith, culture, and gastronomy seamlessly converge. As the Lenten season approaches, travelers and pilgrims are invited to explore the region’s emerging Visita Iglesia routes and embark on meaningful journeys that celebrate both spirituality and heritage.#