DOT Region 2 Awards ₱1 Million Grant to UGATPAC to Strengthen Sports Tourism in Cagayan Valley
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 2 has awarded a ₱1 million financial grant to the United Grassroots and Tribes Paragliding Association (UGATPAC) under the Department’s Support to Sports Activities Program, aimed at further advancing sports tourism development in the Cagayan Valley region. The financial assistance was facilitated through UGATPAC representative Ms. Violet Lucasi Elrays.
UGATPAC is a duly registered non-stock, non-profit organization committed to the promotion and development of air sports through grassroots initiatives across the Philippines. The association is notably composed of Indigenous Peoples (IP) pilot-scholars and athletes, several of whom have represented the country in international competitions, including the most recent Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand—demonstrating Filipino talent and excellence on the global stage.
Headquartered in Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya, UGATPAC has been instrumental in positioning the municipality as an emerging hub for adventure and sports tourism. Its flagship initiative, the Ambaguio Skyport Project, has garnered national recognition after being declared the Champion (Luzon Cluster) of the 1st Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) organized by the DOT. The project secured ₱25 million in funding to further enhance sports tourism infrastructure and programming in the area.
DOT Region 02 lauds UGATPAC for its visionary leadership, strong community engagement, and sustained commitment to the development of inclusive and sustainable tourism products. The Department reaffirms its steadfast support for initiatives that advance sports tourism, empower local communities, and further position Cagayan Valley as a premier sports and adventure tourism destination in the country.#
