BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Tourism in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) announced on Wednesday that tourism stakeholders are preparing for an expected surge of visitors as new attractions and destinations open in time for summer.
DOT-CAR Director Jovita Ganongan highlighted the importance of proper planning, especially with several holidays and events lined up in April. “April may mga holidays tayo, may mga events din tayo sa Baguio so pinaghahandaan natin yan, nakikipag-usap tayo sa kapulisan kasi importante dyan ang management ng traffic… Safety and security ng lahat,” she said, emphasizing the role of the local government and the police in ensuring smooth traffic and public safety. She also noted that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will implement its “Lakbay-Alalay” motorist assistance program.
April and May are among the peak tourism months in the Cordillera, alongside December. To ensure a safe and organized tourism experience, Tourist Police will be deployed at parks and key destinations to assist visitors.
Ganongan assured that tourism plans and strategies, which have been institutionalized by stakeholders and government offices, are ready for activation. She also encouraged visitors to explore newly opened attractions across the region to prevent overcrowding in popular sites. “We have to continue promoting so that people will not all converge in one place… We can give alternative destinations close to the popular ones,” she said.
Tourists were also reminded to practice responsible travel by prioritizing their personal safety.
As of 2024, DOT-CAR has accredited 699 tourism enterprises across the region’s six provinces and two cities. Among the upcoming events is the 6th Mangan Taku, scheduled from April 24 to 28, which follows the Holy Week and Summer Vacation (SumVac) activities organized by various local government units.