Over 160 educators from different public senior high schools partook in a special advocacy program spearheaded by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The program, titled “Tara Na, Byahe Tayo,” aims to promote the culture of tourism through activities that highlight its importance in nation-building. Likewise, TPB’s objective is to ensure that the participants would know about the impact of tourism to society and the underappreciated tourist destinations in the country.
“As teachers, they have the capacity to educate and influence the Filipino youth. ‘Tara Na, Byahe Tayo’ hopes to create a ripple effect as they share and pass on their newfound learnings about tourism with their students. The Philippines has so much to offer and we want these children to know about it. These teachers are our instruments in strengthening local tourism because it is through education where we can increase our love and appreciation for our own country,” said Marie Venus Q. Tan, Chief Operating Officer of TPB.
By getting a firsthand experience, the teachers were able to see that the Philippines is more than just beaches and natural sites. The program showcased the richness and beauty of the country through food, art, and travel destinations in Southern Luzon.
The “Tara Na, Byahe Tayo” program participants were clustered into three groups which simultaneously visited tourist destinations focusing on the arts, heritage, gastronomy and ecotourism all around Region IV-A.
Some of the notable sites on the tour itinerary included various art museums in Angono, Rizal, the Art Capital of the Philippines including the ancestral homes of National Artists Carlos “Botong” Francisco and Lucio San Pedro; Taal Heritage Town; Hinulugang Taktak and Daranak Falls; the agri-tourism sites 3 Springs Mountain Park in Tanay, Rizal; Terra Verde Ecofarm in Maragondon, Cavite; and Costales Nature Farm in Majayjay, Laguna.
The participants also engaged in activities that highlighted environmental awareness, conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Apart from the two-day tour, a tourism advocacy forum was conducted at Hotel Jen Manila attended by the most prominent personalities in the Philippine tourism industry who shared insights on tourism topics including the role of women and children in tourism, responsible tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, Exhibitions/Events), and a rundown on the basics of domestic tourism.
For more information, visit www.tpb.gov.ph/ or www.facebook.com/tpbphl/.
