20 localities in Cordillera compete for ‘Best Tourism Village’ awards

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Some 20 localities have registered for the "Search for the Best Tourism Villages in the Cordilleras," an initiative of the tourism department in the region to recognize the communities for their commitment to innovation and sustainability as they directly immerse themselves in efforts of enhancing tourism.

Now on its second edition, this year’s search was launched on August 03 in Baguio City. The first and only recognition award for community-based practices in villages across the region was made open to all existing and emerging, community-led tourism villages.

Up until the deadline for application on Sept. 05, the Department of Tourism – Cordillera has so far received 20 entries.

The department started its preliminary inspection of the entries. Member of the Screening Committee started their preliminary inspection in Sabangan, Mt. Province to Mayoyao, Ifugao, and Bagumbayan, Tabuk City, Kalinga.

From Tabuk, the team headed to Talalang, Balbalan where the pre-World War II houses, Old Spanish Trail, and breathtaking mountain views, among other sites and rich traditions, can be viewed and experienced.

The team likewise explored Magangab and Maanus caves in Tawang village in the same town, before proceeding to their 6th stop in TaBuPaRi Cluster Village in Calanasan, Apayao, and then to other localities.

Qualified applicants will be notified and a team of evaluators will conduct ocular inspection and validation. Each will be judged based on sustainable management (25%), socio-economic and rural economic development sustainability (25%), cultural sustainability (25%), and environmental sustainability (25%).

Prizes

The village with the highest rating will be awarded the grand prize amounting to P1 million.

Second placer will be given P500,000 and the tourism village to settle at third will receive P200,000. Top three winners will get trophies and tokens, on top of their cash prize.

Other three runners-up will be awarded P100,000 each, with certificates and tokens.

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