New Tourism Code in sight: BM Lammawin leads final review for Kalinga

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry, chaired by Board Member Camilo T. Lammawin Jr., has completed the third and final review of the proposed ordinance enacting the Revised Tourism Code of the Province of Kalinga, bringing the measure a step closer to adoption.

The final review was held on July 23 at the New Conference Hall of the Kalinga Sports Center in Capitol Hills, Bulanao, Tabuk City.

The proposed ordinance seeks to strengthen Kalinga's tourism industry by updating policies and programs that promote sustainable tourism development, preserve the province's rich natural and cultural heritage, and create more economic opportunities for local communities.

Lammawin said the revision of the Tourism Code is timely as Kalinga continues to attract increasing interest from both local and international visitors because of its unique culture and natural attractions.

"We have our ecotourism, the environment that has given us the natural beauties of the province, and we have our culture, the beautiful culture of the Kalinga people, which is gaining interest among our local and international tourists," Lammawin said.

He explained that the revised ordinance aims to establish programs and policies that will further develop the province's tourism industry while ensuring that local communities benefit from increased livelihood and income opportunities.

According to Lammawin, Kalinga's tourism development can be guided by the acronym ACE.

"A is for Agriculture, C is for Culture, and E is for Environment," he said, emphasizing the three pillars that will drive the province's tourism development.

The final review was attended by members of the SP Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry led by Lammawin, together with Board Members Jay Harley B. Duguiang, Julius B. Amla, Michael Karel B. Suguiyao, and Marc Rainier B. Duguiang.

Also present were municipal and city tourism officers and administrators from Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, Rizal, Tabuk City, Tanudan, and Tinglayan, representatives of DOT-accredited tourism establishments, members of the Provincial Tourism Council, concerned national government agencies, tourism practitioners, business organizations, and media partners.

The consultation allowed stakeholders to present comments and recommendations before the proposed ordinance is endorsed for further legislative deliberation.

Once enacted, the Revised Tourism Code of the Province of Kalinga will serve as the province's updated policy framework for tourism development, promoting agriculture, culture, and environmental conservation while supporting sustainable economic growth and expanding livelihood opportunities for iKalingas.