Lakbay-Likha Connects Nueva Vizcaya’s Creative Enterprises to Tourism Markets
Nueva Vizcaya’s artisans, cultural communities, and tourism enterprises gained opportunities to reach wider markets as the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 2 and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2 brought local experiences closer to national tour operators through the Lakbay-Likha Familiarization Tour.
Over several days, participants explored the province’s creative tourism offerings, from traditional crafts and culinary experiences to cultural heritage, farm activities, and wellness, discovering how local skills and resources can be transformed into meaningful visitor experiences.
The Nueva Vizcaya leg opened in Bagabag with a visit to a buko pansit and buko pie facility, where Provincial Tourism Officer Marichelle Costales warmly welcomed the group. With the guidance of chefs from Kesingngo Restaurant, participants prepared their own buko pansit and learned about the production of buko pie, one of the town’s well-known local products. Selected participants also tried making the delicacy themselves.
The group then visited the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Jail, where they learned about the inspiring story of a person deprived of liberty (PDL) whose creative skills have helped support her family outside the facility, highlighting how creativity can provide livelihood opportunities and hope.
In Bambang, participants explored local art at Hardin Creatives through a gallery tour, painting activity, and interaction with artists. They then proceeded to the Mun-Abol Weaving Community in Kasibu, where they witnessed traditional weaving techniques and created earrings using fabric scraps. Provincial Board Member Eunice Gambol welcomed the group during the visit. At Aruga Handwovens, participants learned about Isinay weaving and tried their hand at keychain-making, gaining a deeper appreciation of the province’s weaving traditions.
In Dupax del Sur, the group experienced the fusion of agriculture, creativity, and cultural heritage. At Nic and Jas Berry Farm and Gift Shops, participants enjoyed mulberry picking, flower-pressing art, and mocktail-making using sugarcane, mulberries, lemon, and honey. They also sampled mulberry leaf chips, discovering how locally grown produce can be transformed into distinctive culinary experiences and value-added products.
The participants also visited the historic Saint Vincent Ferrer Church, where they witnessed an imbestida performance, a local dance tradition, before joining the community dance. The experience offered an engaging way to appreciate the town’s cultural heritage.
The tour continued in Aritao with a pottery-making session at Sebing Pottery, followed by a visit to Maranatha Handicrafts, where participants learned to make flowers using corn husks. At Rockwoods Agritourism Park and Peace Sanctuary, they engaged in wood art and meditation. The day concluded at Nueva Vizkawa with a kawa herbal bath and traditional hilot, showcasing the province’s potential for wellness tourism.