The event, which will run until Oct. 23, is in line with the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) "Sports Tourism and Adventure Tour Program" or "Lakas Bisig Pinoy" under its "I Love Philippines! Biyahe Na!" campaign.
Dubbed as the "3rd Pagayaya Festival", the exhibit showcases the sports and adventure tourism attractions and products of the different participating provinces and cities of Region 2, namely: Batanes; Cagayan; Isabela; Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino; and Cauayan; Santiago and Tuguegarao cities. "Pagayaya" is an Ibanag term for merrymaking or joyful gathering.
During the opening, DoT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano expressed his dream to make more tourist destinations out of the country’s many islands.
"The Philippines has 7,107 islands but only a handful of which are visited by tourists," Durano said during the inauguration.
Durano, nevertheless, said the country is experiencing an unprecedented increase in tourist arrivals. "With only a few islands of the Philippines developed as tourist destination, we have continued to help buoy up our economy. What more if we are able to develop the other islands as tourist destination," he said.
He expressed confidence that Cagayan Valley will lead the transformation of the rest of the country’s islands into tourist destinations as he cited the local officials’ commitment to make their areas attractive to tourists.
He also encouraged every Filipino to be a tourist in their own country first before becoming a tourist elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Regional Director Blessida Diwa acknowledged the contributions of the local government units and the private sector in the success of its tourism endeavors. She said that although Cagayan Valley Region’s tourism industry is only in its infancy stage it has already gone a long way to boost its local economy.
The sports and adventure tourism destinations of the region were accentuated in all the activities and exhibit showcase like the rock-wall climbing and caving. Regular cultural performances that speak of its rich heritage are also being featured.
Bargain hunters will be delighted to find affordable souvenir items, pearl jewelry and fancy accessories, furniture made from Narra, toys and housewares at very affordable prices.
Food lovers will also be pleased to indulge in delicacies that are indigenous to Region 2 such as processed and fresh fruits and vegetables; native dishes like Tuguegarao Longganisa; rice cakes (inatata, muriekos and binallay); and the Pancit Cabagan of Isabela and Pancit Batil Patung of Tuguegarao City.
Likewise, guests may visit the different booths to know more about each destination and the latest tour packages.
For the devotees of Our Lady of Piat, the pilgrim image will be at Clamshell 1 where regular masses will also be held.
