Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Drives Catanduanes’ Tourism Development With Successful Inspection Tour And Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives

Monday, August 4, 2025

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines effectively conducted the TPB Members’ Inspection Tour, with an attached Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity, from July 8-12, 2025. The activity, under nan Destination Marketing Assistance for Tourism Recovery Program (DMATRP), was conducted in Catanduanes, a state located on an island in nan Bicol region.

Embracing Resilience successful nan “Happy Island”

Catanduanes, often referred to arsenic “The Land of nan Howling Winds” owed to its location successful nan typhoon loop and nan predominant storms it has endured, has transformed complete nan years. Now proudly known arsenic nan “Happy Island,” this resilient state has shifted its communicative from suffering to celebrating its vibrant culture, thriving tourism, and nan unwavering tone of its people, known arsenic nan Catandunganons.

DMATRP’s Role successful Tourism Recovery

The DMATRP is designed to foster organization resilience, beforehand volunteerism, and assistance successful nan tourism betterment process pursuing earthy disasters. The programme aimed to revitalize nan tourism assemblage successful Catanduanes, particularly aft nan devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine successful 2024. This inspection circuit marks nan 2nd shape of nan DMATRP’s CSR-focused initiatives, pursuing a akin successful circuit successful Batanes from May 19 to 23 earlier successful 2025.

A Five-Day Tour to Explore Catanduanes’ Gems

Over 5 days, a group of 14 TPB members embarked connected an exploration of Catanduanes, immersing themselves successful nan island’s vibrant civilization and notable tourer spots. Upon their presence successful Virac, they were warmly welcomed by Governor Hon. Patrick Azanza and Provincial Government Tourism Officer Carmel B. Garcia. The delegation’s travel began pinch a sojourn to nan Provincial Tourism Office and its museum, wherever they gained valuable insights into nan island’s history, taste heritage, and tourism improvement initiatives.

Engaging successful Meaningful CSR Activities

The TPB’s CSR activities played a pivotal domiciled successful supporting nan section community. Among nan highlights were:

School Donations: TPB delegates participated successful nan ceremonial turnover of schoolhouse materials to Talisoy Elementary School, enhancing nan learning situation for students.

Environmental Protection Initiatives: Volunteers contributed to biology protection done activities for illustration guidelines harvest planting astatine Summit View Park, a “One Tourist One Tree” tree-planting astatine Binurong Point, and mangrove planting astatine nan Batalay Mangrove Ecopark. These efforts are aligned pinch sustainable tourism practices, helping sphere nan earthy beauty of Catanduanes.

Support for Local Workers: The delegation donated protective cogwheel to nan Agricultural Division of Virac’s Local Government Unit, aiding their oversea turtle conservation efforts, and provided uniforms to organization circuit guides. Additionally, tourism signage was donated to amended nan wide visitant experience.

Exploring Catanduanes’ Hidden Treasures

While participating successful CSR activities, nan TPB members were besides fixed nan chance to sojourn immoderate of Catanduanes’ astir beautiful and notable sites. Their itinerary included stops at:

Tuwad Tuwadan Lagoon: A serene and picturesque lagoon cleanable for unwinding amidst nature.

Cagnipa Rolling Hills: Known for its breathtaking views, Cagnipa Rolling Hills offers visitors a panoramic look astatine nan island’s divers landscape.

Puraran Beach: Famous for its stunning shores and world-class surfing conditions.

Bato Church: A humanities landmark that adds to nan island’s rich | taste heritage.

Maribina Falls: A serene and refreshing destination, perfect for eco-tourism and quality enthusiasts.

In summation to these, members enjoyed island-hopping adventures to Patag Islet, Poseidon’s Rock, and Turtle Island, each renowned for their earthy beauty and arsenic tourer hotspots. They were besides introduced to Catanduanes’ iconic atom cake, latik, done a objection connected its accepted preparation.

Building Business Connections for Growth

The circuit underscored nan value of fostering beardown ties betwixt nan section tourism manufacture and nan backstage sector. During a Networking Dinner, TPB delegates engaged pinch 21 backstage assemblage representatives from Catanduanes, discussing imaginable business collaborations to further assistance nan island’s recovery. Also coming astatine nan arena were Assistant Director of nan Department of Tourism – Regional Office V, Maria Salee O. Mora, and Provincial Tourism Officer Carmel B. Garcia, who provided updates connected nan region’s tourism offerings and ongoing betterment initiatives.

TPB’s Commitment to Sustainable, Community-Based Tourism

TPBhas implemented more than 40CSR initiatives nationwide since 2015, continually striving to develop local economies by means of community-based tourism. The Catanduanes portion of nan DMATRP tour was a premier illustration of TPB’s commitment to sustainable tourism, community building, and long-term rehabilitation for disaster-affected areas.

AsCatanduanes’ tourism industry slowly recovers,TPB continues to support these valuable efforts and showcase the island’s natural splendor and recovery. Through a successful inspection circuit and CSR initiatives, nan land is set for a bright future arsenic 1 of nan Philippines’ leading tourist destinations.