Friday, December 20, 2024

Tag: Department of Tourism

DOT-10 showcases Mindanao’s 1st travel hub in Bukidnon to boost tourism, MSMEs

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MALAYBALAY CITY (July 15, 2024/PIA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT)-10 reported that the opening of the tourist rest area (TRA) in the scenic town of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon marks the first TRA in Mindanao to enhance the travel experience for local and international visitors

Marie Elaine Unchuan, DOT regional director for northern Mindanao, said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum on July 2 that the TRA sets a new benchmark for travelers’ comfort and convenience following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives to enhance the country’s tourism sector by improving facilities and resources that can significantly boost the economy.

“The tourist rest area opened in August last year and promises to redefine the journey for domestic and foreign tourists. Its clean, well-ventilated restrooms and inviting seating areas create a relaxing oasis for weary travelers,” she said.

With maps, guides, and expert tips, its information center is essential for tourists exploring northern Mindanao’s attractions.

Showcasing culture and local products

Unchuan said the TRA doubles as a vibrant shop, offering a selected range of local delicacies and handcrafted souvenirs.

“Visitors can indulge in Bukidnon’s famous coffee, savor delectable pastries, or purchase unique keepsakes crafted by local artisans. It delights travelers and supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) along with other local businesses,” she added.

Beyond its Pasalubong center, the TRA showcases local artwork, such as paintings and intricate leaf carvings, enhancing atmospheric energy and displaying the region’s artistic talent.

Inclusive amenities for all needs

Multiculturalism and inclusivity are TRA’s design principles. It caters to diverse travelers’ needs. The lounge and charging stations provide a comfortable space for tourists to relax and recharge their devices.

The coffee shop offers a selection of beverages and snacks, perfect for a quick refreshment break.

The TRA offers family-friendly amenities such as clean restrooms with showers and a lactation room to cater to the needs of even the youngest travelers.

Strategic location for maximum convenience

Travelers exploring Bukidnon and nearby provinces will find TRA an ideal pit stop due to its strategic location at the crossroads of major travel routes. Its proximity to Misamis Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur enhances accessibility for visitors discovering the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

Emalyn Cagolcol, a traveler from Valencia City, described the tourist rest area in Manolo Fortich as truly one of a kind.

“It was more than a mere rest stop. The facilities are not only clean and well-kept. It is also scenically situated amidst the serene landscapes of Bukidnon. It provided a much-needed break during our trip, allowing us to recharge and refresh ourselves before continuing our adventure,” she shared.

Manolo Fortich TRA is the second DOT-managed rest area in the country, following the successful model established in Medellin, Cebu.

“This TRA exemplifies DOT’s commitment to providing world-class facilities nationwide, ensuring travelers have access to modern and well-maintained facilities,” the DOT-10 regional director said. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

DOT-Northern Mindanao gives inaccurate details about mountain ranges in Bukidnon

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April 3, 2024 MindaNews fact-checked the claim of the Department of Tourism – Northern Mindanao (DOT – Northern Mindanao) about facts involving the mountain ranges in Bukidnon province. Some details are inaccurate, hence misleading

In a post on its Facebook page last February 22 titled “5 FACTS ABOUT BUKIDNON,” the DOT-Northern Mindanao said:

“The name ‘Bukidnon’ is derived from the Visayan term ‘bukid,’ which means mountain. True to its name, the province is characterized by extensive mountain ranges, including Mount Kitanglad, Mt. Dulang-dulang and Mt. Kalatungan, which are some of the highest peaks of the country.” (emphasis supplied)

Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Dulang-dulang are not two different mountain ranges.

They are among the peaks belonging to the same mountain range, the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, legislated as a protected area on November 9, 2000.

Mt. Dulang-dulang (2,938 meters above sea level) is the second-highest peak in the Philippines. On the other hand, Mt. Kitanglad (2,899masl) is the country’s fourth highest peak, and like Mt. Dulang-dulang, is one of the popular trekking destinations in Bukidnon.

The DOT-Northern Mindanao post further said that Mt. Kitanglad “sits between Malaybalay City and the municipalities of Lantapan, Impasugong, Sumilao, and Libona.”

The agency’s list of areas encompassed by the mountain range is incomplete. Mt. Kitanglad Range straddles Malaybalay City and the towns of Lantapan, Talakag, Baungon, Libona, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, and Impasugong. These eight areas share boundaries on the summit of Mt. Kitanglad. (Source: Protected Area Management Plan of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, 2018-2022, Page 6. Note: No online link, e-copy only)

The two other mountain ranges in Bukidnon are Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park, where Mt. Kalatungan is located, and Pantaron Range (also called Pantadon).

Kalatungan Range encompasses Valencia City and the towns of Talakag, Pangantucan, and Maramag.

Pantaron Range straddles Bukidnon and the neighboring provinces of Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur.

As with all our other reports, MindaNews welcomes leads or suggestions from the public to potential fact-check stories. (H. Marcos C. Mordeno / MindaNews)

DOT Accreditation Caravan ipahigayon sa Malaybalay

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Ang Malaybalay City Tourism Office mupahigayon og tulo ka adlaw nga DOT Accreditation Caravan sa dakbayan sa Malaybalay

Base sa pahibalo sa LGU Malaybalay, ang accreditation caravan ipahigayon karong petsa 16 ngadto 18 ning bulan sa Oktubre.

Ang caravan ipahigayon uban sa pakigtambayayong sa Department of Tourism – Northern Mindanao Office.

Ipahigayon ang caravan para sa tanang Tourism Related Establishments sa dakbayan.

Gitaho nga ipahigayon kini sa People’s Hall, New City Hall, Barangay Casisang ning dakbayan. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)

Community-based tourism: Empowering communities towards sustainable tourism

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Recognizing the valuable role of community-based tourism organizations (CBTOs) in tourism development, the Department of Tourism is providing livelihood assistance to CBTOs to give them additional opportunities and be able to take part in propelling the country’s tourism industry to move forward

One of the recipients of the DOT’s livelihood assistance in Northern Mindanao is a community-based mountaineering club in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Founded in 2010 and driven by a strong sense of environmental protection, the Kalasanen Mountaineering Club (KMC) brings together mountaineers, hikers, and nature explorers who share the same goal of protecting and preserving the local natural spot.

According to the DOT, KMC was chosen because of the several climbs and outreach programs it initiated to provide children living in far-flung areas with educational supplies and raise funds to support the medication of a 64-year-old resident of Manolo Fortich with Parkinson’s Syndrome Disease.

Moreover, KMC plays a vital role in protecting Mt. Palaopao and the flora, fauna, and community around it, especially now that Manolo Fortich has been declared as the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary in Northern Mindanao following the discovery of eight (8) pairs of Philippine Eagles residing in the forests of the municipality.

With 27 members, the mountaineering club received a Basic Mountaineering Course worth P300,000 from the DOT. They were also given livelihood kits as part of the training. The kits included tents, rope, a cook set, burners, butane, a mountain bag, a compass, and a sleeping bag.

The ceremonial turnover of the livelihood assistance was held during the recent visit of DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco to the said municipality to inaugurate the first Tourist Rest Area in Northern Mindanao.

First DOT-assisted CBTO in Northern Mindanao

The Kalasanen Mountaineering Club is the first CBTO in the municipality to receive such assistance from DOT, although the Manolo Fortich municipal government recognizes ten CBTOs.

“Kami napuno og pasalamat sa higayon ug pagtagad nga gihatag sa amoa sa DOT, sa pagpangulo ni Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco. Ang kani nga pag-ila dakong tabang sa among panginabuhian ug pagpalambo sa among adbokasiya nga maprotektahan ang atong mountain treasures ug makatabang sa mga isig katawo natong nanginahanglan. Salamat kaayo, Secretary Frasco. Kami malipayon ug mapasalamaton sa imong regalo sa amoang grupo. Ania kami para musuporta kanimo ug sa Department of Tourism para sa kalambuan sa atong turismo dinhi sa Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao, ug Pilipinas,” said KMC President Junell Wayan.

[We are filled with gratitude for the opportunity and attention given to us by the DOT, under the leadership of Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco. This recognition is a great help to our livelihood and the development of our advocacy to protect our mountain treasures and help our fellow human beings in need. Thank you very much, Secretary Frasco. We are happy and grateful for your gift to our group. We are here to support you and the Department of Tourism in the development of our tourism here in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao, and the Philippines.]

KMC remains steadfast in its commitment to encouraging people to support their cause and invite more tourists to explore the beauty of Manolo Fortich through tree-planting activities and friendship climbs. (APB/PIA-10)

DOT-10 conducts orientation on online accreditation for tourism-related enterprises

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On July 14, 2023, the City of Malaybalay, under the leadership of City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran and through the City Tourism Office spearheaded by Ms. Honolu Marie C. Cruzin, partnered with the Department of Tourism Region 10 to conduct an orientation for Accreditation

This certification, issued by the Department, officially recognizes tourism enterprises that have complied with the minimum standards for the operation of tourism facilities and services under RA 9593, also known as the Tourism Act of 2009.

RA 9593 Section 14 c) mandates the enforcement of Mandatory Accreditation for primary tourism enterprises and voluntary accreditation for secondary tourism enterprises, in accordance with prescribed guidelines and standards. Section 14 d) aims to establish a system of registration, information, linkage, and mutual assistance among accredited tourism enterprises to enhance the value of accreditation and improve the quality of service rendered by such enterprises.

According to RA 9593 Section 17 a), Regional Offices are responsible for implementing laws, policies, plans, programs, rules, and regulations of the Department, particularly those relating to compliance and the accreditation of tourism enterprises promulgated by the Department.

In line with this, Memorandum Circular 2019-17 issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterates the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009. The circular indicates that primary tourism enterprises, including hotels, resorts, inns, and other accommodation establishments, are required to secure accreditation from the DOT to obtain a license or permit to operate.

Mr. Ariel Gabriel Estrada, the Standards and Accreditations Officer of DOT-10, facilitated the orientation and highlighted the benefits and importance of Accreditation by DOT to the participants. In the afternoon session, he assisted the participants in submitting their requirements for the Online Accreditation Application.

The newly introduced Online Accreditation System offers a contactless transaction and hazard-free government service, aiming to expedite accreditation requests from local tourism establishments.

Through this streamlined system, local businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which collectively form the backbone of the tourism industry, will experience improved ease of doing business.

The orientation was well-attended, with a total of 80 participants. Councilor Royland M. Orquia, Committee Chairman on Tourism, warmly welcomed and expressed gratitude to everyone present during the orientation. (LGU Malaybalay)

DOT-10 launches limitless bike adventure in Normin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT)-10 launched another limitless adventure in Northern Mindanao May 13, to attract more tourists to visit the region

Dubbed “Bike NorthMin,” the program aims to make bike tourism popular in the region and unleash its full potential in the tourism industry.
DOT-10 regional director Marie Elaine Unchuan said biking is one of the fastest-growing modes of transportation and recreational activity. It is also convenient, easy to use, low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
She said the campaign aims to encourage both the government and the private sector to invest in promoting and developing bike tourism, which can attract more visitors and create job opportunities for local communities.
“Bike tourism in the Philippines is an untapped potential that can generate economic growth and promote sustainable tourism. This allows tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the beauty of our region,” Unchuan further said.
To officially kick off “Bike NorthMin,” DOT-10, in partnership with the provincial government of Camiguin and Recreational Outdoor eXchange, is set to hold a 64-kilometer bike tour on the scenic island province of Camiguin on May 28, 2023.
Unchuan said more bike tours will be held in the region after the Camiguin Isle Bike Tour, adding that pilot bike sites and circuits have already been identified.
These include Cagayan de Oro City to Manolo Fortich, Cagayan de Oro City to Misamis Oriental, Claveria to Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental, Ozamiz City to Oroquieta City in Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte to Iligan City, and around Del Monte Plantation, among others.
Following the launch, Unchuan shared that DOT-10 would further collaborate with local government units to identify potential cycling routes and develop necessary infrastructure such as bike lanes and parking areas; promote new cycling routes in the region, and organize regular cycling events to encourage bike enthusiasts to explore the region’s natural beauty.
DOT-10 would also conduct road safety awareness programs to educate the public on safe cycling practices. (APB/PIA-10)

DOT mulls ‘tourism summit’ in Bukidnon amid opening of new routes

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Tourism in Northern Mindanao (DOT-10) is eyeing a “tourism summit” in Bukidnon province in line with the opening of new air routes this year

In an interview, DOT-10 Director Marie Ellaine Salvaña-Unchuan said the summit was proposed by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri during his recent visit to the Kaamulan Festival celebration.

The proposal, she said, aims to put the province, especially its capital Malaybalay City, as a “Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions” (MICE) destination in Northern Mindanao.

“This is also in anticipation of the opening of its new airport (in Don Carlos town), accommodation facilities, and huge sports complex (in Malaybalay City),” Unchuan said.

Unchuan said the senator has asked the agency to prepare a tourism master plan for Bukidnon due to its potential for farm and mountain tourism which will be included as the main agenda of the summit.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the May 6 opening of the Cebu Pacific Airlines’ Clark to Laguindingan flight, DOT-10 said it will hold a familiarization tour for tourism operators, media, and social media influencers both from Region 3’s Clark in Pampanga and Northern Mindanao,

“This is a big opportunity for both regions to showcase their potential to the rest of the country and the world,” Unchuan said. (Ercel Maandig/PNA)

 

Malaybalay Horsemen Association kampyon sa Kaamulan National Horse Show and Competition

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Migulang kampyon sa Kaamulan National Horse Show and Competition ang Malaybalay Horsemen Association nga gibuksan niadtong Abril 1, 2023 ug natapos Abril 2, 2023 sa Provincial Grandstand, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Mitala sa kinatibuk-ang 93 points ang Malaybalay Horsemen Association gikan sa nag-unang kompetisyon sa obstacle, barrel, ug oval races nga gi-plastar usab sa mosunod nga divisions: expert, intermediate, novice, ladies’ beginners, ladies’ expert, youth, executive, royal ug auxiliary. Samtang ang oval race adunay tulo ka kategoriya: A, B, ug C.

Mao kini ang resulta sa nagkadaiyang kategoriya: sa auxiliary barrel race: rank 1 si Bador Ello sa CDO Horsemen, 2nd si Celso Dial sa ASHA, ug 3rd si Adriane Sanchez sa SCM; expert barrel race: 1st si Banie Sulogan sa VHA, 2nd si Don Paano sa MHC, 3rd si Loui Miňoza; executive barrel race: 1st si Benjohn Mahistrado sa MGHA, 2nd si Jun Miňoza sa VHA, 3rd si Bobot Singayao sa MHC; sa royal barrel race: 1st si Dioscoro Ragandang sa MFHA, 2nd si Armand Gonzaga sa SCM, 3rd si George Misa sa DHC; intermediate barrel race: 1st si Rogie Cabason sa BHA, Mark Lagsic sa SCM, 3rd si B9 Smith sa MHC; ladies expert barrel race: 1st si Shel Dawn Paano, 2nd si Nikki Alonzo sa MHC, ug Mekhaila Singayao; novice barrel race: 1st si Enrico Gue, 2nd si Justin Jurolan ug 3rd si Marmar Brizo tanan sakop sa MHC; sa youth barrel race: 1st si King Elorde sa ASHA, 2nd si Nadine Elusfa sa SCM, 3rd si Lizzie Pelawz sa CDO Horsemen; ladies beginners: 1st si Clara Roxas sa MHC, 2nd si Jedyl Jamaca, 3 si Kaina Ramonal sa CDO Horsemen; sa auxiliary obstacle race: 1st si Clifford Doble sa HAIV, 2nd si Jomar Baconguis sa MFHA, 3rd si Adriane Sanchez sa SCM; intermediate obstacle: 1st si Clive Tanguilan sa MFHA, 2nd si Biboy Adalim, 3rd si Rogie Cabason sa VHA; executive sa obstacle: 1st si Benjohn Mahistrado sa MFHA, 2nd si Neal de la Cerna, 3rd si Louis Miňoza, Jr sa VHA; royal obstacle: 1st si Armand Gonzaga sa SCM, 2nd si Ferdinand Banosia sa ASHA, 3rd si George Misa sa DHA; novice obstacle: 1st si Kontakenti Ramonal sa CDO, 2nd si Marmar Brizo sa MHC, 3rd si Marlowe Sarda sa SCM; ladies expert sa obstacle race: 1st si Keziah Ramonal sa CDO, 2nd si Megan Fabello sa CDO, 3rd si Faye Cudal sa MHC; ladies beginners: 1st si Jedyl Jamaca, Kaina Ramonal, 3rd si Shane Sabanpan tanan sa CDO; youth obstacle race: 1st si Angela Estrada sa MHC, 2nd si Michael Salintao sa ASHA, 3rd si Israel Baz sa CDO;

Sa pagbukas sa maong aktibidad sa Kaamulan, mitambong si Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque uban sa pakigdait niini sa mga bisita ug sumasalmot, kauban sila Representatives John Keith Flores sa 2nd District ug Laarni Roque sa 4th District.

Misaksi usab kulbahinam nga pasundayag sa abilidad sa mga kabayo ug sa mga riders niini si Regional Director Marie Elaine C. Unchuan sa Department of Tourism – X, kinsa mipadangat sa iyang panghinaut nga pinaagi sa horse show competition, makadani kini ug mas daghang turista dinhi sa Bukidnon ug sa rehiyon.

Kini gipasiugdahan sa Provincial Government of Bukidnon nga gipasayon sa Malaybalay Horsemen, kung aha misalmot dinhi ang lain pang siyam (9) ka mga horsemen associations gikan sa Mindanao ug Visayas regions, sama sa Agusan del Sur Horsemen Association, Cagayan de Oro Horsemen Association, Davao Horse Club, Manolo Fortich Horsemen Association, Misamis Oriental Horsemen Association, Visayas Horsemen Association, South Central Mindanao Horsemen, SOCSARGEN Horsemen, ug Horsemen Association of Impasugong and Valencia. (LGU Bukidnon)

 

PRO-10 notes drop in VAW cases in NorMin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO)-10 noted a drop in violence against women (VAW) incidents in the region in 2022

PRO-10 spokesperson Police Major Joann Navarro shared this during the “Kababaihan Para sa Kalambuan” talk show spearheaded by the Department of Tourism-10. She said the number of VAW cases in the region dropped from 1,633 in 2021 to 1,548 cases in
2022.
Navarro attributed the decrease to the efforts of not just the PRO-10 but also the different agencies of the government, local government units, and non-government organizations with programs on VAW prevention. The PRO-10 spokesperson further cited the impact of public cooperation in reporting VAW incidents to the Women and Child Protection Desks (WCPDs) of PRO-10 to the decrease in VAW cases.
On their part, Navarro said they have implemented proactive measures to end VAW such as conducting an information drive on Republic Act 9262 at the community level, including Puroks, Sitios, and schools.
Police officers manning the WCPDs are also capacitated in handling VAW cases. (APB/PIA-10)

DOT, DOLE to launch the ‘Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso!’ job fair in Normin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT)-10, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10, will launch the “Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso!” Philippine Tourism Job Fair, March 30-31, 2023, at the Limketkai Atrium, here

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma recently signed an agreement called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The main goal of the MOU is to help the tourism industry find more jobs and get its workers back to work so that it can recover from the losses caused by the pandemic.

As stated in the MOU, the Regional Offices of DOT and DOLE will work together with the Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) in local government units to run the job fairs, collect relevant job posting information from partner establishments, verify their credibility, and supervise them while following the rules set by the agencies.

“The Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso Job Fairs will help our fellow Filipinos find jobs while helping the accommodation and services sectors address workforce shortages, resulting in the continued recovery of the tourism industry as a whole,” said Frasco during the MOA signing.

In September 2022, the first part of the job fair went well, and over 9,000 people looked for work in Pasay, Cebu, and Davao. Some were recruited on the spot, while others were considered nearly hired.

This March, thousands of job seekers are expected to flock to Cagayan de Oro for the job fair for a chance at employment in the tourism industry. Positions in the following fields: administration, accounting, marketing, human resource, front office, support staff, MICE operators, food and beverages, kitchen or food production, and housekeeping will be available to qualified job seekers. (DOT-10/PIA-10)