DOT-13 to launch PH Experience in Agusan Sur
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD,
Agusan del Sur -- The Department of
Tourism (DOT) Caraga is set to launch the latest version of the Philippine
Experience Program (PEP) to the province of Agusan del Sur in the 3rd quarter
of this year.
PEP is an initiative of DOT
Secretary Maria Esperanza Christina Frasco that highlights a caravan on
culture, heritage, and arts for the Caraga region.
"We are pleased to also
share that the provincial local government of Agusan del Sur is not only
focused on the Naliyagan Festival, which is seasonal, but also conducts
year-round marketing campaigns such as 'Unlock the Landlocked Agusan del Sur.'
This initiative received support from the DOT through the launching of PEP here
in the Caraga region," DOT Caraga Dir. Ivonnie Dumadag said during the
Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on July 9 at the LMX Convention Center in Butuan
City.
“Agusan del Sur is the
chosen province for the PEP because it presents the most significant challenge
in the region in terms of marketing and promotions, being a landlocked
province," Dir. Dumadag added.
"Unlike other provinces
in the region with ports and airports, traveling to Agusan del Sur requires
deliberate land travel. This underscores the principle we aim to support and
promote with Sec. Frasco: equity in tourism product development and promotion.
We want to give lesser-known, harder-to-reach destinations their chance to be
promoted," she elaborated.
"There's no doubt that
Agusan del Sur is truly a wonderful place to visit, with numerous tourist
destinations to showcase. In fact, they have their own tourism campaign called
Unlock the Landlocked," she emphasized.
Dumadag also emphasized the
promotion of the Agusan del Sur Provincial Tourism Office through various
social media platforms, which regularly showcase the province's tourist
destinations. She also shared that all tourist guides undergo proper training.
"Since last year, we
have been conducting local guides training across all provinces and cities in
Caraga. This isn't just generic training as we focuse on enhancing their
knowledge on their respective specific products and destinations, and the nature
of tour guiding," she explained.
"We already scheduled
cave guiding training in Surigao City and Agusan del Sur. Due to limited
resources from the DOT, we partnered with the local government units (LGUs) to
ensure the success of these trainings. However, sustaining these activities is
crucial as only 35 personnel have been able to participate so far, despite the
need to train many more. Our goal is to help them become accredited tour
guides," she shared.
Meanwhile, the DOT assured
support for tour guides by providing them with specialized tools such as
flashlights, helmets, and other necessary equipment. The agency also wished to
purchase these starter kits as much as their budget allows.
The tourism department also
supported the development of roads leading to local tourist destinations in
Agusan del Sur through the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP). This
program represents a collaboration between the DOT and the Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH). Another enhancement project in the province is the
ongoing Prosperidad Project at Gibong River, which is currently finalizing the
necessary documentation for approval by the Tourism Infrastructure and
Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for funding.
Additionally, the DOT has
identified a project in Agusan Marsh to focus on Lake Panlabuhan, which is a
source of pride for Agusan Marsh and is tentatively listed as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
"Although the road projects are not yet complete, these infrastructures are undergoing improvement and the funding has been approved by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure convenience and comfort of tourists and travelers," stated Dumadag. (KKG, PIA-Agusan del Sur)
