Bayyo folks join gab to boost tourism

By Christy May Che-es

BONTOC, Mountain Province — Thirty-two residents of Barangay Bayyo attended a seminar here recently to boost tourism.
    The activity initiated by the Bontoc local government through the Municipal Tourism Office aimed to help the community understand the concept and benefits derived from tourism activities.
    The seminar aimed to raise awareness on the tourism industry, and the Dept. of Tourism’s
 programs and services.
    Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey said tourism not only paves way for economic growth and development but also aids in the preservation and promotion of culture.
     “One of the heavily affected in this time of pandemic is the tourism industry. Thus, as we enter the state of new normal, measures should be taken to slowly bring the tourist industry back to life,” he added.
    Municipal Tourism Officer Caren Guinayen, said the activity helped change the negative perception of the community towards tourism and encouraged communities to be more open to tourism activities.
    Provincial Tourism Operations Officer II Tyronne Glenn Lawey introduced the social, economic, and cultural benefits of tourism in the community.
    He stressed importance of preserving the natural state of the tourist sites including those with cultural significance like the “ato” and old houses with ancient architectural design.
    Tourism Information Officer I Annie Graal Focasan of the Provincial Tourism Office talked on percentage of tourists who came to the province as well as the most visited places in Mountain Province.
    Elizabeth Farnican of the Municipal Tourism Office presented the situational report on the tourist arrivals in the municipality from 2015 to 2019.
    During the first day of the activity, personnel from the Provincial and Municipal Tourism Offices and some trained tour guides went to Nabarangnan River/ Camp and Petawana Falls for site assessment.