Updated: 6 hours ago
Tabuk City, Kalinga - Last year, tourist arrivals in Kalinga increased to 11.95 percent, according to the data from the Kalinga Provincial Tourism Office last May, 2025, indicating a need to upgrade and provide better services.
From 118,472 visitors in 2023, the province recorded 132,624 visitors in 2024. The majority of the visitors were domestic tourists, comprising over 130,000 of the total count. Foreign tourists and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) also contributed to the numbers, with 1,531 foreign arrivals recorded for the year.
According to the Provincial Tourism Office, headed by Lorraine Ngao-i, the positive changes increase are the result of the enhanced tourism promotions, improved accessibility, and sustained interest in Kalinga’s rich cultural heritage.
As the provincial government, under the leadership of Governor James Edduba, continues on working to attract more visitors for the benefit of its people, a “Tourist Rest Area” is seen as one of the key plans to improve travelers’ experiences and promote the province’s culture and products.
Said project was brought up and proposed during a meeting on August 5, 2025, between Board Member Camilo Lammawin Jr., Provincial Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-i, an Executive Assistant III, and Lubuagan Municipal Administrator Atty. James Tagaotao.
During the meeting, Ngao-i explained that a standard tourist area covers 300 square meters and should include a pasalubong store, lactation room, international standard comfort rooms, a charging station, and a parking area.
The suggested location for the project is near the Kalinga Provincial Hospital.
The governor, as relayed by the executive assistant, assured that he will allocate the lot needed for the facility.
Based on estimates, the project could require up to P12 million in funding when compared to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) of Baguio City.
As mentioned on the Facebook page of the governor, one of the first steps discussed to move the plan forward is revising the Provincial Tourism Code (Provincial Ordinance No. 2014-012, sponsored by BM Lammawin) to create a stronger framework for tourism planning, including tour packages and tourism fees.
“Nu man pay awan pay iti cierto nga schedule, napagsaritaan nu anya dagiti addang nga dapat aramiden tapno maipatungpal daytoy. Maysa ket ti panakarevise ti Tourism Code tapno adda mausar nga wennu pagbasaran nga linteg para iti plano ti turismo kas kuma iti panaka-establish ti tour packages ken fees,” stated the Gov. Edduba Page.
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