TAGUM CITY – In an effort to ensure the survival and integrity of the cultural heritage and traditions of its Indigenous Peoples (IPs), the provincial government of Davao del Norte has launched a cultural project in several municipalities in the province recently.

The project includes the creation of a cultural village in the tribal town of Talaingod and the Schools of Living Traditions in the municipalities of Kapalong and San Isidro.

Department of Tourism (DoT) Region 11 Director Sonia Garcia and Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario, together with the mayors of the recipient municipalities signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the JBL Village in St. Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on October 9.

At least P2 million has been allotted for the implementation of the project in province.

It was gathered that the funding will be taken from the P8 million provided by Senator Loren Legarda for the establishment of 10 cultural villages initiated by the DoT in Davao Region.

Garcia said the cultural village is community-based culture tourism-oriented project that aims to uplift the quality of life of the IPs, promote social commission and culture of peace, as well as energize the tourism industry in the province.

Garcia added that the village will actually become a cultural destination, showcasing the unique indigenous products, such as weaves, beadings and other native handicrafts that the IP community produced.

The project is a significant component of cultural tourism, which was identified as an important marketing strategy for the tourism industry of Davao del Norte, along with historical tour, banana business tour, eco-adventure tourism and culinary tourism.

According to Del Rosario, the project is expected to be a big boost to a number of programs and projects that his administration has established in order to uplift the living condition of the Lumads and protect the integrity of their culture and traditions.

He cited the significance of Talaingod town, not only as a gateway to the Davao Region’s cultural tourism development, but also as a threshold to tremendous socio-economic opportunities, particularly with the forthcoming opening of the P1.6 billion Talaingod-Bukidnon Road late this year.