DoT, Nueva Vizcaya pilot cultural branding program

The Department of Tourism (DoT) Region 2 and the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya have launched a pilot program encouraging local hospitality businesses to integrate Filipino culture, heritage, and identity into their facilities and services.

The two-day Filipinization Labeling Program held at the Wilwin Hotel in Bayombong, convened representatives from DoT-accredited accommodation establishments and regional industry stakeholders to establish guidelines for cultural integration.

The voluntary branding initiative encourages tourism operators to incorporate traditional Filipino elements into architectural design, culinary offerings, ambient music, live performances, and daily operational practices.

Nueva Vizcaya Governor Jose V. Gambito and DoT Region 2 director Troy Alexander G. Miano emphasized during the opening ceremony that heritage preservation remains a core pillar of sustainable tourism development.

Kristine A. Wandagan, a DoT Region 2 tourism operations officer, outlined the program’s criteria under the 2024 National Accommodation Standards, covering assessment procedures, operational benchmarks, and certification protocols.

Specialized workshops during the summit focused on practical applications. Architect Reybert C. Quirolgico presented methods for incorporating traditional Filipino design elements and indigenous materials into lodging facilities.