DOT Sec. Frasco underscores the province tourism progress, says “Kalinga earned ₱600M from Tourism in 2024”

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Citing the province’s growing appeal as a premier cultural destination in the Cordillera, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced that Kalinga generated over ₱600 million in tourism revenue in 2024. The announcement was made during the Diddiga Cultural Parade and Showdown held on February 12 at the Kalinga Sports Center in Bulanao.

Kalinga is known for its unique tourism destinations, where rich culture, natural landscapes, and adventure opportunities provide authentic experiences that showcase the province’s identity while directly benefiting local communities.

Speaking before thousands of stakeholders, Frasco attributed the milestone to the province’s strong commitment to preserving its heritage, promoting community-based tourism, and upholding the spirit of unity embodied in the Bodong Festival.

In her message, Frasco emphasized that the province’s cultural richness, authenticity, and strong sense of identity are key drivers behind its tourism growth, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.

“As we celebrate, we are not only marking a time that has passed; we are recognizing a province that has grown because it chooses unity over division, heritage, and peace. And that choice has real impact — in 2024, Kalinga generated nearly ₱600 million in tourism receipts. This number represents tour guides along the Chico River, weavers in Lubuagan, families opening their homes in Buscalan, coffee farmers, drivers, performers, and MSME entrepreneurs across the province,” she said.

Additionally, data from the Kalinga Provincial Tourism Office show an 11.95% increase in tourist arrivals in 2024, with a total of 132,624 visitors, up from 118,472 in 2023.

The data show that the majority of visitors were domestic tourists, totaling over 130,000. International travelers and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) also contributed, with 1,531 foreign arrivals recorded for the year.

The top five destinations in 2024 include Buscalan Tattoo Village, Rang-ay Eco-Adventure Resort, Kalinga Act Mountain View Resort, Naneng Heritage Village, and Awichon Cultural Village.

Meanwhile, the DOT secretary also highlighted the agency’s continued support for Kalinga through improved connectivity to heritage sites, capacity-building for tourism workers under the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence Program, and support for community-based enterprises that sustain local economies across municipalities.

The Diddiga Cultural Parade and Showdown featured traditional dances, rituals, and colorful displays of indigenous artistry, reinforcing the province’s message that culture and tourism are inseparable pillars of Kalinga’s growth and identity.