BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Tourism led by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco opened its Cordilleras’ leg on Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Culture, Heritage, and Arts Caravan in Baguio City, on October 23. Frasco, leading a delegation of ambassadors, tourism associations, tour operators, media representatives, and partner agencies on a three-day cultural immersion across the highlands of Northern Luzon. PEP is one of the DOT’s flagship initiatives celebrating the Filipino brand through authentic, community-based tourism. Aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the program seeks to equalize tourism opportunities and promotion across all destinations, both established and emerging. The PEP features diverse facets of each region, including new destinations, tourism product offerings, tour itineraries, and themed circuits in collaboration with local government units, the private sector, and community partners to ensure the continued development of inclusive and sustainable tourism. The Cordilleras’ edition celebrates the region’s vibrant culture and enduring creativity, bringing delegates from Baguio City to the mountain towns of Atok and Itogon in Benguet, and Bauko in Mountain Province. Its highlight is the Cordillera Festival of Festivals—a grand showcase of the region’s signature celebrations and cultural identity. On the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Cordillera Leg, Secretary Frasco met with Baguio’s tourism workers to personally hand over curated Tour Guide Kits to 20 DOT-accredited tour guides and 4 Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) trainers. Each eco-friendly kit included essentials such as a portable lapel microphone, bamboo sunglasses, sunscreen, tumbler, and journal— carefully selected tools to help our guides deliver even more engaging and professional tourism experiences. The tourism chief also handed out accident insurance worth P50,000 funded from her own resources. “We are humbled and we are very grateful to receive such a special gift. And I believe that we are going to use this while doing or assisting or guiding our guests to the highest possible professionalism standard in the tourism and tour guiding industry. For the love of our profession, love of our region, and of course, love for the Philippines,” said Tessie Grail Lomas-e on behalf of her fellow tour guides in Cordillera. Frasco and PEP delegates visited the Totem Pole  at Camp John Hay, one of Baguio City’s enduring landmarks. The towering wood sculpture, carved by Cordilleran artist Ernesto Dul-ang, depicts stacked head forms of historical figures who played vital roles in Baguio’s early development and Philippine-American history. Organized by DOT-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Office in collaboration with the local governments of Baguio City, Benguet, and Mountain Province, the PEP Cordilleras leg is made possible through the partnership of regional tourism councils, creative guilds, and community stakeholders. The PEP-Cordilleras Caravan follows the successful launches in the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Caraga. Each regional edition brings to life the program’s five core pillars: Living Cultures, Historical and Natural Heritage, Arts and Creative Expressions, Wellness and Faith Encounters, and Flavors and Local Produce. The first 12 completed caravans showcased 32 provinces, 31 cities, and 51 municipalities nationwide. These regional caravans resulted in the creation of tour packages now available on digital booking platforms and through partner tour operators and national tourism associations. The series likewise generated positive impressions both online and offline, forged diplomatic and business ties, created livelihood and income opportunities for local communities, and featured the artistry, craftsmanship, and warmth of the Filipino people in every destination visited.        

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – The Summer Capital bagged six national awards from the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards 2025, held at the Hotel Supreme, Baguio City, on October 2. The awards are in recognition of the city’s solidification of its reputation as a creative, cultural, and sustainable tourism hub. The event was attended by top tourism officials in the country, local government representatives, industry leaders, and stakeholders for an evening of honor and celebration. The event was graced by DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, who spearheaded the unique programs and best practices that continue to elevate the standards of Philippine tourism. The city, along with tourism stakeholders, proudly won six national awards this year, which include: Best Event Hosting: International Event (HUC Category), 1st Runner-Up – World Ikat Textile Symposium (WITS) Best Event Hosting: Local Event (HUC Category), 1st Runner-Up – 2024 Spring Festival Best Sports Tourism Event (HUC Category), 1st Runner-Up – 2024 Sang-atan Bike Festival Best Tourism Event: Cultural Festival (HUC Category), 2nd Runner-Up – Ibagiw Creative Festival 2024 Best Practices in Community-Based Tourism (HUC Category), 2nd Runner-Up – Ili-Likha Artists’ Watering Hole Best Institutionalized Culture and Arts Program (HUC Category), 2nd Runner-Up – Community Artscape “Dugad Mi” According to the Baguio Tourism Council, these recognitions reflect the city’s strong partnership between local government, cultural communities, and creative industries. industry, all working together to celebrate heritage, promote inclusivity, and promote sustainable tourism practices. Baguio City is proud to be a recipient of the ATOP Pearl Awards 2025, not only as a multi-awardee but also as the gracious host of this year’s celebration. With six new recognitions, the city reaffirms its role as a beacon of culture, creativity, and innovation in the country’s tourism landscape.      

BAGUIO CITY – Ang kinagigiliwang boat ride ng mga turista sa Burnham Lake, Baguio City ay pansamantalang maaudlot para bigyan daan ang rehabilitation nito simula bukas, Oktubre 1. Ang pagsasara ng Burnham lake ay bahagi ng Burnham Park Master Plan na naglalayong mapabuti ang kasalukuyang kalagayan sa pamamagitan ng apat na yugto kung saan ang unang yugto ay nagsisimula sa lawa upang mapabuti ang kalidad ng tubig at ayusin ang mga nakapaligid na lugar. Ito ang unang pagkakataon na ang iconic na lawa ay isasara para sa mga turista at residente mula noong unang pagtatayo nito noong 1904. Ang Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), na siyang magpopondo at mamumuno sa plano, katuwang ang City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), ay nagbigay ng paunang badyet para sa phase one at karagdagang pagpopondo hanggang sa phase four. Sinabi ni CEPMO Engineer II Jaquilyn Tino na target ng unang yugto na mapabuti ang lawa at ang mga nakapaligid na lugar nito, na may mga pagsasaayos kasama ang karagdagang viewing o seating area. Pagpapabuti ng docking area ng mga bangka at gagawa ng retaining wall “Actually, lalampas ang [retaining wall] patungo sa lake, mababawasan ang existing width ng lake, probably five meters, kasi from the retaining wall to the side walk, doon na tayo gagawa ng seating area,” ayon kay Tino. Ang ikalawang yugto ay tututuon sa pagsasaayos ng bangketa, ang ikatlong yugto ay tatalakayin ang parke ng mga bata at ang Skating Rink para sa ikaapat at huling yugto ng proyekto. Sinabi ni Tino na ang phase two at ang natitira ay kasalukuyang nasa kanilang preparation phase at plano nilang tapusin ang panukala para sa phase two hanggang four at ihanda na ito para sa bidding sa susunod na taon. Aniya, nagsimula ang plano sa pagpapaunlad noong 2019 at si Mayor Benjamin Magalong ay lumikha din ng isang teknikal na grupo para bumuo ng isang disenyo na pagkatapos ay ipinasa sa TIEZA para sa mga komento at pag-apruba at isinama sa naaprubahang plano. Ayon sa CEPMO walang tiyak na petsa ang development plan kung kailan ito gagawin ngunit ang phase one na iyon ay target na makumpleto sa loob ng 180 araw o sa Abril 2026. Ang rehabilitasyon ay mangangailangan ng kabuuang pagsasara, paliwanag ni Tino, “hanggang sa matapos ang unang yugto, walang plano para sa bahagyang pagbubukas dahil kakailanganin nating alisan ng tubig ang tubig at punuin itong muli.” Pinapayuhan ang publiko na iwasan ang lugar sa panahon ng rehabilitasyon para sa kanilang kaligtasan at tiyakin ang mabilis at ganap na pagpapatupad ng rehabilitasyon.