DOT pushes Philippines less visited destinations

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Tourism (DOT) collaborates with Klook and other travel agencies through its Philippine Experience Program (PEP) to allow local and international tourists to explore lesser-known destinations in the Philippines, especially in the Caraga Region of Mindanao.

"Klook's presence at our Philippine Experience Program (PEP) launch in Caraga provided a platform for collaboration with our local tour operators, guides, accommodations, and restaurants," said DOT-Caraga regional director Ivonnie B. Dumadag during the official launching of Caraga’s participation in the 10th leg of PEP dubbed “Caraga Beyond Its Waves.”

Patterned after Cebu’s “Suroy-Suroy Cebu” program, PEP is a cultural, heritage, and arts caravan that seeks to introduce tourists both international and domestic, to the heart and soul of Filipino.

According to Dumadag, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be signed soon, alongside partnerships with travel agencies in the Philippines, including Cebu.

Dumadag recognized Cebu's key role in driving tourism in the Caraga Region, given its status as an international hub in Southern Philippines. She also noted that many Cebuanos are now exploring the beauty of the Caraga Region, beyond its famous attraction, the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao.

"Together, we aim to create packages that will showcase Butuan City, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, Bayugan City, Prosperidad, and Agusan del Sur," she added.

Klook, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Hong Kong, is a leading travel and experiences platform that allows users to discover and book attractions, tours, and local activities around the world.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco personally graced the official launch of PEP in Caraga Region in a three-day caravan showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes.

The event highlighted the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, as well as the cities of Butuan, Cabadbaran, and Bayugan.

This flagship initiative under Frasco aims to bring local culture and traditions closer to domestic and international audiences.

The program began with a welcome reception by the Butuan City government, featuring historical storytelling and cultural performances.

Delegates joined historical tours at museums like the National Museum of the Philippines in Butuan and the Butuan Archaeological Park.

The delegates also experienced a river cruise on the Agusan River and visited the Balangay boat-building site. In Cabadbaran City, they explored landmarks like the Puting Bato viewing deck and the Bega Falls Eco-Tourism Park in Prosperidad.

The DOT’s partnership with Klook is anticipated to harness the platform's technology and global customer base to attract more visitors to Caraga.

Klook's involvement supports the DOT's goals to modernize tourism promotion and simplify booking experiences.

By incorporating local tour operators into Klook's platform, the DOT seeks to provide seamless travel planning for visitors, promoting Caraga and similar regions as vibrant destinations for cultural and natural exploration.

In her speech during the PEP-Caraga launching, Frasco reiterated the department’s commitment to push the tourism development in the region, saying “Our commitment to Caraga’s tourism development is evident in recent initiatives and completed projects, including the Bega Falls Tropical Resort Improvement in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, the World War II Marker in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, and the establishment of the Pagatpatan Wetland Center in Butuan City.”

Frasco also mentioned the Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) Awardee in the region, the Tourist Catwalk at Gata to Bretania Mangrove Area in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, which she said “exemplifies our dedication to eco-friendly infrastructure that enhances Caraga’s natural landscape.”

The TCC is one of the projects of the DOT in collaboration with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), that encourages local government units to develop innovative infrastructure projects to boost local tourism.