The Tourism Promotions Board, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism, led an advocacy program that aims to promote and instill the culture of tourism while showcasing the richness and beauty of the country.
Titled “Tara Na, Byahe Tayo,” the program gathered selected senior high educators from public schools who were given the opportunity to see and experience the food, art, and travel destinations in Southern Luzon.
TPB aims that through the experience, participants will not only be able to appreciate the underrated attractions and offerings of the country, but will also develop a sense of environmental awareness, conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources.
To achieve the said objectives, the three-day program was made up of three components—an advocacy tourism forum, a tour program, and civic duties and sustainable awareness activities.
To kick off the program, participants were welcomed to a forum that discussed responsible tourism, domestic tourism, and the role of women and children in tourism.
Nongovernment organization officers and well-known personalities, such as Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS) president JM Antonio B. Pascual, ECPAT Philippines executive director Dolores SD. Alforte, and social media influencer Kyle “Kulas” Jennermann, gave talks during the forum to provide participants insights about the different aspects and importance of tourism.
During the tour proper, the teachers went around CALABARZON where they immersed themselves in arts, heritage, and gastronomic delights of the area. There were three simultaneous tours that took place on different parts of the region.
One of the three tours was in Rizal, where participants visited the Carlos Botong Francisco Blanco Museum, Nemiranda Art House, Antipolo Church, and Pinto Art Museum. They also learned about the ecotourism in the province through a tree planting activity at Hinulugang Taktak, a bonfire at 3 Springs Mountain Park, and a visit to the Daranak Falls.
The second tour was in Batangas and Cavite and focused on the rich heritage of the place; while the third tour was in Quezon and Laguna, and highlighted the flavorful dishes and agri-tourism industry of the province. Stops included the Costales Nature Farms in Majayjay Laguna, Casa Comunidad de Tayabas, Kamay Ni Jesus, and Lake Pandin.