(Photo courtesy of PNA)
VIGAN CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Tourism (DOT) have partnered to promote the Ilocos Region’s creative industries through the Raniag Tour, an initiative highlighting local craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and tourism opportunities.
The four-day event, running from October 26 to 29, 2026, marks the second edition of the R.A.N.I.A.G. (Rediscover Artistry, Nurture Identity, and Accelerate Growth) Creative Tour, covering various destinations in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.
The program aims to connect tourism with creative enterprises by providing local artisans, entrepreneurs, and cultural communities with opportunities to showcase their products and traditions.
“Through immersive, participatory and experience-based tourism activities, we would like to allow visitors to engage directly with local artists, artisans and creative communities,” DOT Region 1 Promotion Director Gaye Acacio said.
Fewer than 30 participants, including artists, chefs, social media influencers, and tourism stakeholders, joined the tour to explore the region’s creative economy.
Among the featured destinations are the historic Calle Crisologo in Vigan City, St. Augustine Church in Paoay, traditional pottery workshops, local food enterprises, furniture manufacturers, and weaving communities.
Participants will also visit creative establishments such as Kusina Valentin in Paoay, Kay Susan Tayo’s chichacorn enterprise in Cabugao, B’Lis Furniture in Bantay, RG’s Pottery in Vigan, and traditional loom weavers in Pinili.
Other destinations include the Amianan Museum and Library of History and Culture in Currimao, Mariano Marcos State University Innovation and Technology Hub in Batac City, and the Sand Dunes Art Installation in Paoay.
The itinerary also features coconut handicrafts in Pagudpud, water hyacinth weaving in Laoag City, and traditional hatmaking and fashion enterprises in Ilocos Sur.
Beyond showcasing tourist attractions, the initiative seeks to develop creative tourism routes that travel operators can eventually offer as sustainable tourism packages.
The project also aims to strengthen cooperation among government agencies, local government units, cultural organizations, educational institutions, private businesses, and creative communities.
Organizers said the initiative supports Republic Act 11904, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, alongside the National Tourism Development Plan and Regional Development Plan.
Through the Raniag Tour, the DTI and DOT hope to generate more economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs while preserving the artistic traditions and cultural identity of the Ilocos Region.
