The Department of Tourism-Cordillera hosted on Sept. 25 an open house in celebration of World Tourism Day and National Tourism Week with the theme “Tourism and green investment.”
The open house featured an arts exhibit showcasing the bamboo works of Edgar Banasan and the beautiful colors of the Cordillera in the wood works of Eden Cawang.
Also on display are the statues of the “banga” and “bulul” of Joel Buyagao. The banga represents the successful attainment by the Province of Kalinga of the Guinness World Record for the largest banga dance. The bulul symbolizes Ifugao rice god or guardian spirit.
National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik with DOT Regional Director Jovita Ganongan and Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson Gladys Vergara opened the exhibit.
Ganongan said they came up with a creative hub within the tourism complex so that visitors can have a memorable and meaningful experience.
“We want to really view tourism as the bridge, the visitors come and tourism really bridges them to connect with traditions, to really connect with people, with culture, so that they will also discover creativity in every destination they go to.”
“If everybody will really create something even small things, then all this will really become big and really reinforce our position as a Unesco Creative City,” Ganongan said.
As part of Tourism Week, the provinces will also be conducting art in the park featuring the unique Cordillera culture. A tourism forum and exhibitions will also be held in Benguet. – Debbie E. Gasingan and Raeneil Inocencio
