DOT awards Bontoc, Bauko LGUs, Sagada tour guides

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Bontoc is the only local government unit in Mountain Province awarded for its programs and undertakings in advancing the tourism industry in the municipality.

               Bauko Mayor Abraham Akilit also received a plaque of recognition for his initiative and support in advancing Tourism Vision of developing a globally competitive tourism industry of the town.

                Ridgebrooke Hotel in Bontoc, Sagada Homestay and Sagada Tour guides also received recognition for being DOT-accredited for four to five years.

The Dept. of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region  conferred to Bontoc LGU a plaque of recognition of its initiatives and efforts in advancing “tourism vision” of developing a globally competitive tourism industry anchored in the principles of sustainable tourism, promoting inclusive growth and supporting community-based tourism.

The award was received by Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey and Tourism Officer Caren Ringor-Guinayen during tourism recognition and awards ceremony and launching of Regional Tourism Tagline at Baguio Country Club Convention Hall on Dec. 5.

Odsey expressed his gratitude to the DOT- CAR for recognizing efforts and initiatives undertaken by the municipal government.

“This recognition serves as a challenge and a motivation for Bontoc to continue striving in boosting the tourism industry of this capital town. The advancement of tourism in Bontoc is one of my priority programs,” the mayor said.

He also lauded concerned offices and stakeholders in efficiently and effectively implementing tourism and cultural- heritage programs of the Bontoc LGU that resulted in the promotion and enhancement of tourism activities even in the far-flung barangays of Bontoc.

This, he said, with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders to include the community, barangay officials, tour guides, business establishments and partner agencies.

Guinayen thanked Bontoc officials and its partner stakeholders for their all-out support that led to the realization of improved tourism development.

These include the adoption 3–year municipal tourism development plan, assistance to barangays in their local tourism ordinances, support to local tourism related activities, coordination of training and seminars for tourism establishment and tour guides, implementation of community-based tourism activities, continuous validation and promotion of existing and potential tourism sites, and conduct of researches on the rich culture and traditions of Bontoc.