Foreign ambassadors who joined the Cordillera leg of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Philippine Experience Program (PEP) last week said they were amazed by the cultural similarities between their own countries and the Cordillera Region.
Held from Oct. 23 to 25, the PEP Cordillera brought the delegates to scenic highland destinations, including Buguias, Benguet, and Bauko, Mountain Province — known for their mist-covered farms and rolling landscapes.
Thailand Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor said she felt a strong cultural bond with the Cordillera people.
“The indigenous peoples, the dance, the way they dress is the same. You have the gong, the musical instrument. It makes me feel that we are not only friends but close relatives,” she said.
Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh also noted the similarities between Cordillera and his home country.
“I told my wife that there are so many similarities between the Cordillera and Vietnam. You will see similar scenes, houses, people. We hope to travel more to the Philippines,” he said.
He added that with the Philippines hosting the ASEAN Summit in 2026, he hopes to bring more Vietnamese business owners, artists, and tourists to experience the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Akiko Endo, wife of Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, compared the Cordillera’s tapuey (rice wine) to Japan’s sake.
“I will definitely tell my Japanese friends to come over here,” she said.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the 122-member delegation, joined by ambassadors from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Cambodia, and France.
Frasco said the PEP highlights the country’s rich culture, heritage, and artistry as part of the Philippine Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028. She emphasized that beyond boosting tourism revenues, the program strengthens national pride and cultural identity.
DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso added that the initiative ensures “no destination and no Filipino are left behind” by bringing tourism opportunities to more communities and connecting Filipinos with their roots.