TWO barangays in Mt. Province receive 2024 ASEAN Community-based Tourism Award

Bontoc, Mt. Province – Two barangays from western Mt. Province, Barangay Bila and Cluster Barangay Pidlisan, were awarded the 2024 ASEAN Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Award.

Community-Based Tourism, according to the ASEAN CBT standard, is an alternative form of tourism aimed at empowering communities to manage tourism growth while achieving their aspirations for their well-being. This approach focuses on economic, social, and environmentally sustainable development.

Additionally, CBT strengthens local communities by allowing them to shape their economic and social futures through paid services that celebrate local customs, protect natural and cultural heritage, and foster fair and mutually beneficial relationships between residents and visitors.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, the Department of Tourism- Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) stated that the two barangays managed to bag the award after they were nominated and endorsed by the DOT-CAR last year and successfully underwent a thorough evaluation process.

The agency added that the award acknowledges the village’s dedication to meeting the ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards’ stringent quality criteria, highlighting their excellence in community-based tourism.

Looking back, Barangay Bila once secured the second place in the 2023 Search for Best Cordillera Tourism Village, while Barangay Fidelisan achieved the same ranking in 2022

As recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, tourism villages are rural destinations rich in culture and natural assets, dedicated to preserving and promoting their values, products, and lifestyles. This recognition reflects a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability in economic, social, and environmental aspects.