These local communities are thriving with sustainable tourism in the Philippines

MANILA,Philippines,Oct. 21,2021 -- The Philippines' Department of Tourism is embarking on strengthened efforts towards sustainability by enhancing existing destinations and developing new circuits that highlight sustainable management practices and involve local communities.

As tourism has a multiplier effect—creating not only jobs but also livelihood opportunities through offering of goods and services—sustainability ensures the preservation of destinations,thriving of culture and traditions,and inclusive growth. Moreover,as sustainability measures often involve the community,the locals themselves become part of the meaningful experience of their hometown's visitors.

Here are the top sustainable tourism destinations for your next adventures in the Philippines and the communities that you will encounter on an unforgettable journey.

The eco-friendly locals of Mt. Hamiguitan and Mt. Apo in Davao

The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental is Mindanao's first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site,with attractions such as a pygmy forest where trees are stunted to only about 4.5 feet in height. There are 1,974 endemic plant and animal species that have been identified so far,including carnivorous pitcher plants,the iconic Philippine Eagle,Philippine cockatoo,and golden crowned flying foxes. The locals are engaged not only in tourism but also in sustainable livelihood programs. One of these is beekeeping using the native stingless bee specie called 'kiyot'. This also helps with pollinating and protecting Mt. Hamiguitan's vegetation.

The Mount Apo Natural Park is home to 272 bird species,111 of which are endemic,including the Philippine Eagle which is the largest in the world. The mountain is also inhabited by several indigenous groups: the Manobos,Bagobos,and Klata who consider it as a sacred mountain. They perfectly demonstrate how to coexist in harmony with the environment. Trek porters are equipped by the local tourism offices to share their knowledge of the mountain and its conservation.

The artisans of Ilocos,Panay Island,Eastern Visayas,and Central Mindanao

The women of Ilocos,particularly in the towns of Paoay,Vigan,Pinili,down to the towns of Santiago in Ilocos Sur and Bangar in La Unionhave been weaving from their homes since pre-Hispanic times. Their hand-loomed Inabel fabric,made from cotton blends is made into blankets,table covers,and even apparel,such as bags,shoes,and face masks for the new normal,with traditional designs that have been passed down through generations.

Panay Island also has a proud tradition of weaving,with several weaving communities across the island. In Aklan,they dexterously weave the fibers of the piña or Red Bisaya pineapple plant into delicate-looking cloth made into home decor and even formal apparel. Aklanon weavers are known for their piña and silk cloth creations that are embroidered with floral designs while the weavers of Iloilo and Antique are known for employing the suk-suk or inlaid weft technique in hablon and patadyong cloth.

Weavers in Eastern Visayas use materials harvested from plants that grow abundant in their area to craft mats that can be used for sleeping or fashioned into decorative items such as place mats and plant holders or even bags and fans. These materials range from abaca,buri palm,coconut leaves and ribs,rattan and tikog or reed grass,pandan,pawa which is a type of thin bamboo,and seagrass.

The surfing communities of La Union,Baler,Siargao,Surigao del Sur and Eastern Samar

The surfing hotspots of the Philippines have produced not only a burgeoning tourism industry but also world-class local surfers. Those living in the islands have picked up the sport and the waters of La Union,Surigao del Sur and Eastern Samar have increasingly seen more locals on their boards. These friendly Filipino surfers are the embodiment of the laidback local surfing lifestyle and are also staunch advocates of caring for their marine environment.

The culinarians of Iloilo City,Bacolod,Zamboanga City,and Davao City

Visiting the different regions of the Philippines is a taste trip,with each province contributing richly to the food map of the country,with recipes that make use of what is easily available in their locality. A cultural awareness of these dishes and the resulting food tourism ensures that not only the recipes are handed down to the next generation but heirloom produce will continue being planted by the local farmers.

Iloilo city is considered as one of the food capitals of the Philippines,with flavorful delicacies such as bowls of La Paz Batchoy noodles and Molo Soup. Negros Occidental is called the Sugar Bowl of the Philippines for its fields of sweet sugarcane. Among their preferred dishes for guests especially those visiting its capital city,Bacolod are Inasal (chicken grilled over hot coals),Piaya (unleavened flatbread filled with muscovado sugar),and Kansi or beef shank with bone marrow cooked in broth flavored with a local souring agent called Batwan.

Seafood abounds in Zamboanga,and their must-try dishes include ingredients such as a crustacean locally called Curacha,Imbao or mangrove clams,snails called Kulo,and Lato -- a seaweed that resembles small green grapes,or commonly known as green caviar. Davao is known for its fruits,ranging from pineapples,bananas,sweet pomelos,and the infamous durian. For a memorable meal,try the specialties that make use of fresh seafood such as Kinilaw,the local version of ceviche,and Sinugba or freshly-grilled seafood.

The farming communities of Negros Occidental

To experience life on a Filipino farm,visit the 14 farm tourism sites that have been accredited by the Department of Tourism in Western Visayas. These farms highlight the potential of sustainable agriculture that can provide income streams for the communities who profit from both the produce and their eco-tours. Visitors can relax and appreciate the bounty of nature while learning the technology applied to the farming practices suited to the climate and soil conditions of the area.

Sustainability and safety

While promoting the country's destinations and developing new circuits for travelers to enjoy on their vacations,the Philippines Department of Tourism is also taking the lead on sustainability efforts in the different regions.

"We believe in progress through inclusive growth,and that means empowering our stakeholders in the different communities. They are our partners in sustainability,in taking care of our natural treasures; in preserving our cultural heritage; and in finding new ways to make our destinations more fun and exciting for our travelers," says Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.

Through all these endeavors,the DOT is also ensuring a safe return for travelers by standardizing health and safety protocols across all channels. The Tourism Department has been awarded a SafeTravels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in recognition of its adoption of "health and hygiene global standardized protocols" that will ensure safe travel during the COVID-19 pandemic,conducts thorough inspection and assessment,to ensure that only those who are accredited are allowed to open and receive guests.

The Philippine government through its Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is constantly updating its protocols to safeguard Filipinos and foreign nationals who are traveling to the Philippines. To learn more about the Philippines' new and exciting adventures,as well as safety and travel updates,visit http://morefunawaits.com/and https://morefunphilippines.de/ (for Germany) and https://www.facebook.com/Philippinestourisme/ (for France) or download the Travel Philippines app at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

For photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1svHjN4vA0nT6sDMhL_pJ-nR2xK4vzs2n?usp=sharing