Tinglayan sets pace on becoming Kalinga’s eco-cultural destination

TABUK CITY — Taking a step higher in making the town the eco-cultural destination in the province, the local government unit of Tinglayan is endeavoring that all infrastructures in the municipality should be patterned on eco-technique designs representing the culture of the place.

Tinglayan Tourism Officer Designate Noel Macaiba informed that this scheme is designed to meet the vision of turning the municipality into an eco-tourism destination, where the culture and tradition of the people are preserved and reflected in all development plans of the LGU.

Macaiba said that to ensure the enforcement of this plan, the LGU came up with a Local Tourism Code regulating all development activities to gear towards the enhancement of the tourism industry.

Aside from the infrastructures which should be symbolic of the culture, we also include the livelihood practices of the people in agriculture to pursue the traditional or the old ways of farming, he said.

He cited the traditional way of processing rice, which the LGU is encouraging since it will also enhance the organic production of ‘unoy’ rice in the municipality.

To get the support of the people, Macaiba said that part of their tourism planning package is giving importance to social preparation requiring the active participation of the people and barangay officials.

“We have to inform and prepare the people on the effects of tourism industry in the ‘ili’ and in the economy,” he said.

To preserve the town as an eco-tourist destination, he said that tourism activities must also be regulated and maintained to be sensitive to the culture being a place of the Binodngans.

“Like in the case of Mount Pulag, we also have to protect our environment and culture, so we recommend that all tourists coming to Tinglayan must have to coordinate with the proper authority in the municipality before doing any activity,” he said.

He explained that this will not only regulate the coming in of people but also aims to inform visitors on what the place could offer and the don’t and do’s so that they will have a safe and enjoyable stay in our municipality.

Investors according to Macaiba are likewise encouraged to put up businesses which are geared towards the vision of enhancing the culture of the municipality.

Providing some insights for visitor, Macaiba said that Tinglayan as a tourism destination offers a vast adventure activities like white water rafting, spelunking, trekking and nature watching.

“We have trained guides and we have also established homestays for tourist who wants to experience the way of life of the Ykalingas,” he said.

He is inviting the public to join the people of Tinglayan in celebrating the “Unoy Festivals this coming December. (ggd/PIA Kalinga)

Photo Courtesy of : Chico River Quest White Water Rafting