BM Lammawin rallies support for Kalinga’s ‘ALAPUAP’ Tourism AI Project

“We really appreciate KSU, especially these developers—also the DOST…  on our part sa tourism, information really needs to be added from time to time… to complete the information.” Board Member Lammawin 

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Camilo T. Lammawin underscored the importance of continuous data updates in the newly adopted tourism AI project, “ALAPUAP,” developed by Kalinga State University (KSU) students.

The provincial legislator emphasized that while the system is a valuable innovation for tourism information dissemination, it requires regular enhancement and active input from local government units.

Lammawin made the statement during the regular session on May 5, as the provincial board discussed the implementation and further development of the AI-powered tourism platform designed to centralize tourism-related information in the province.

As chairperson of the Committee on Tourism, Lammawin highlighted the need for constant collaboration between developers and local government units to ensure the system remains updated with accurate and relevant data.

“We really appreciate KSU, especially these developers—also the DOST. In your initial presentation, there’s still a need for development. And on our part sa tourism, information really needs to be added from time to time and that would be the responsibility of the province and the different municipal and city LGUs to complete the information,” he said.

He noted that while the innovation offers a strong digital solution for promoting Kalinga’s tourism sector, its effectiveness will depend on the consistent updating of information by provincial, municipal, and city tourism offices.

The ALAPUAP Project

The innovation was developed by KSU Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) students Mark Alvin M. Pugal, Joselyn A. Tayab, and Ranee Mae O. Awingan, under the guidance of their capstone project adviser, Mathew Jun Pego Mariai.

ALAPUAP was created after their adviser challenged the team to utilize technology in promoting Kalinga tourism. The system serves as a centralized platform where tourism offices can upload and manage information on destinations, festivals, accommodations, restaurants, and local cuisine. It also allows users to register, explore attractions, and leave reviews.

The project was first presented to the local tourism office and later defended before a capstone panel, where feedback contributed to its improvement.

On March 3, 2026, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)–Kalinga, led by Provincial Director Jasmin Donaal, presented a proposal to the Provincial Government headed by Governor James S. Edduba to adopt the ALAPUAP application. The agency also plans to draft a Memorandum of Agreement to formalize the partnership and support the platform’s implementation by the PLGU.