Iloilo unveils tourism campaign in villages
ILOILO CITY – Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has announced a provincial government campaign to transform villages into vibrant tourism hubs. The “Turista sa Barangay” program is designed to elevate local communities as key destinations for tourism events while ensuring a welcoming environment for visitors.
The program is rooted in the provincial tourism development plan (PTDP) and aligns with the broader goals of the MoRProGRes (Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo).
Under Executive Order No. 168 signed by Defensor on Aug. 13, the central focus of “Turista sa Barangay” is to enhance the agricultural facilities in key locations, such as Barangay Nanga in Pototan town.
The provincial government, in a statement, said the “Turista sa Barangay” program prioritizes villages with established tourism potential, aiming to increase tourist arrivals and enhance the overall tourism experience in the province.
The program will be a collaborative effort, involving national government agencies, local governments, Sangguniang Kabataan, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, schools, and academic institutions, among others.
By leveraging these partnerships, the province said the initiative seeks to fully realize the tourism potential of Iloilo’s barangays, contributing to the province’s economic growth and cultural preservation.
Ecotours
The initiative also plans to upgrade gardening programs in tourist-rich areas like the Bucari Pine Forest, the Maasin Watershed, and the Jalaur Multipurpose Project Watershed Area.
Defensor said these efforts were intended to strengthen the agricultural and food tourism offerings in the province.
For the natural environment, the executive order emphasizes reforestation efforts across recoverable forest areas in Iloilo.
The program encourages the planting of flower-bearing trees to beautify landscapes, the development of integrated social forestry projects, and the promotion of tree planting in public spaces through the Tanum (Plant) Iloilo initiative.
This includes planting in parks, plazas, roadsides, government properties, commercial centers, residential areas, and schools.
Defensor also announced plans to create a globally recognized festival, “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan,” which will showcase local cuisine in a fun, foodcentric celebration.
The festival is expected to gather tourists and highlight Iloilo’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.
