Mt Data Hotel reopens; to boost Mt Province tourism

MT. DATA HOTEL REOPENING -- Officials of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), an attached agency of the Dept. of Tourism (DOT), formally re-open May 5 the historic Mount Data Hotel in Bauko, Mt. Province. TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid (center) said rehabilitation including fixtures and furniture cost around P50 million.  – Liza T. Agoot

By Liza Agoot 

BAUKO, Mt. Province – Officials here have expressed confidence that the re-opening of the Mount Data Hotel will further boost the tourism industry of this town and province amid the global pandemic.
    "I am a believer in the contribution of tourism to the economy and with Mt. Data Hotel operating, it will boost Bauko, Mt. Province tourism, job opportunity and foster economic growth," Mayor Abraham Akilit said in a message during the event.
    Through a request from Akilit and Rep. Maximo Dalog Jr., the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) allotted P50 million for the rehabilitation of the historic facility - built by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) in the 1960s - that witnessed the unfolding of the "Igorots" which led to the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
    Akilit expressed gratitude to the TIEZA for giving priority to the rehabilitation project that started in January 2020.
    "We commit that officials and the community will assure the peace and safety in this place. We will help one another for an enjoyable hotel," said provincial administrator Jose Tumbali.
    TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid said he hoped the hotel's reopening would be the start of sustainable tourism in Mountain Province.
    He added that more attractions and structures will be added at Mt. Data to make the facility more family-oriented.
    "We will put infrastructures for adventure, camping and we hope to make this a haven for bikers which will be part of a loop tourism that covers Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Ilocos as well as Region 2," Lapid said.
    Department of Tourism-Cordillera director Jovita Ganongan, during the event, said they are improving old facilities while developing new tourism products.
    "This is a vibrant hotel and the whole 7.7 hectare... which is very nostalgic and has retained its nostalgia even after its development," Ganongan added.
    She said they will work with the hotel to ensure that aside from its overall appeal, it will also offer guests a complete and fulfilling experience. -- PNA