Tourism promotes IPs, jobs in Ifugao

By Vivencia D. Bulayungan

LAGAWE, Ifugao,Apr. 6 (PIA) -- A community-based tourism program here seeks to provide employment to indigenous peoples while promoting the province’s culture.
           

The program dubbed “Mumbaki tourism” was organized by the Ifugao Global Entrepreneurs Multi-purpose Cooperative (IGEMCO), and seeks to protect the rich culture of the province while promoting the province as a tourist destination.
            “It is more fun in Ifugao when the government and non-government organizations work together to boost tourism and uplift the economy of the province," according to Godfrey Domin-ong, manager of IGEMCO.

            Domin-ong, who used to work with the Department of Trade and Industry, said that the community- based tourism program has the support of local government units and line agencies such as the Department of Tourism.

            “While we try our best to promote the province as a tourist destination, we would like also to make use of this opportunity as a source of income for our people to improve their economic situation,” Domin-ong said.

            He said that the program will encourage formation of dance troupes and ethnic ensemble that can perform for tourists for a fee.

            The program can also people for guided tours of rice terraces, including the planting cycle of the tinawon rice (Ifugao native rice).

            Locally produced products in the province will also be promoted, said Domin-ong. He said that those who are enrolled in this program are briefed on how tinawon rice, woodcarvings and other goods are being produced and how these are related to the culture of the people.

            Domin-ong is optimistic that this program will help solve the problem of locals leaving the province to look for greener pasture leaving the rice terraces unattended.