Department of Tourism- Cordillera Administrative Region Office

03/06/2026

𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘

𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁: 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝘁. 𝗨𝗹𝗮𝗽 𝗘𝗰𝗼-𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗟𝘂𝘇𝗼𝗻

In view of the prevailing Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and the continuous rain affecting Barangay Ampucao, Mt. Ulap Eco-Trail will be temporarily closed effective immediately, June 3, 2026, until further notice, for the safety of all hikers, guides, and visitors.

All scheduled trekking, camping, and related outdoor activities are hereby suspended during adverse weather conditions. The safety of our guests, guides, and local community is our highest priority.

The reopening of the Mt. Ulap Eco Trail will be announced once weather conditions improve and the trail has been assessed to be safe for public use.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Stay safe and dry.

FREDDIE S. ALTIGA
Punong Barangay

Barangay Hall, Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet 2604
074-637-2189
[email protected]

PUBLIC ADVISORY
June 3, 2026

03/06/2026

BAGUIO WAIVES ENTRANCE FEES FOR ACCREDITED TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS IN CITY-OPERATED TOURIST SITES

The Baguio City council has enacted an ordinance granting entrance fee exemptions in all city-operated tourist sites for accredited local tour guides, tour operators, travel agents, tour coordinators, and tour managers.

The ordinance was approved on third and final reading by the Baguio City Council on April 27, 2026 and signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong on April 30, 2026.

Principally authored by Councilor Yuri Weygan, the ordinance grants a full waiver of entrance fees in all city-operated tourist sites in Baguio City for accredited local tourism stakeholders, particularly tour guides, tour operators, travel agents, tour coordinators, and tour managers.

The same exemption is likewise strongly encouraged for private tourist establishments within the city, in recognition of the role these stakeholders play in facilitating organized and responsible tourism.

Under the measure, accreditation is required for eligibility, and refers to individuals or entities duly certified by the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR).

Local stakeholders covered by the exemption are those residing in the CAR or those whose businesses are duly registered within the region. Even non-local tour guides affiliated with accredited tour operators, travel agencies, or coordinators are likewise included in the exemption when accompanying or managing tours.

To avail of the privilege, concerned tourism stakeholders must present valid DOT accreditation identification, proof of an ongoing or scheduled tour such as an itinerary, booking confirmation, or tour manifest, and in the case of local applicants, proof of residency. Tour operators, coordinators, and managers are additionally required to present proof of their affiliation with an accredited travel agency or tour operator.

The ordinance mandates coordination and data sharing among concerned offices and agencies to ensure smooth implementation.

The DOT-CAR is tasked to furnish the City Environment and Parks Management Office with an updated list of accredited tourism stakeholders which shall be renewed annually and made accessible through official platforms such as the Baguio VISITA website.

The City Mayor’s Office, in coordination with the Baguio Tourism Council, is likewise directed to engage private establishments and promote the adoption of similar fee waiver arrangements, potentially through memoranda of agreement.

The ordinance imposes penalties on individuals or entities found impersonating accredited tourism stakeholders in order to avail of the exemption. Penalties escalate from fines and imprisonment for first and subsequent offenses, with repeat offenders facing blacklisting from city tourist sites. The ordinance also provides that administrative sanctions may be imposed by the DOT-CAR on accredited individuals who violate its provisions, without prejudice to the filing of appropriate criminal charges under existing laws. -Jordan G. Habbiling

31/05/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: 𝗗𝗢𝗧-𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀

Following the initial assessments conducted across Mountain Province, Kalinga, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayao and Abra, the Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) conducted the third & last batch of regional evaluations this week, culminating in site visits to the municipality of Sagada in Mountain Province.

The four participating tourism villages were assessed based on their commitment to sustainable tourism, community engagement, cultural preservation, and inclusive, community-based tourism development. Here, we have the last two villages:

• Kaw A - Lugangan Tourism Village
(Balugan & Ambasing, Sagada, Mountain Province)
• ANTS Tourism Village
(Ankileng Taccong, Suyo, Sagada, Mountain Province)

During the assessment, the villages showcased their local tourism initiatives, natural and cultural attractions, and community-led efforts in providing authentic and meaningful visitor experiences while safeguarding their unique heritage and identity.

The Search for the Best Cordilleran Tourism Villages continues to recognize communities that exemplify sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, and cultural integrity - strengthening the Cordilleras' position as a premier destination for responsible, immersive, and community-driven tourism.

31/05/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: 𝗗𝗢𝗧-𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀

Following the initial assessments conducted across Mountain Province, Kalinga, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayao, and Abra, the Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) continued the third batch of regional evaluations this week, culminating in site visits to the municipality of Sagada in Mountain Province.

The four participating tourism villages were assessed based on their commitment to sustainable tourism, community engagement, cultural preservation, and inclusive, community-based tourism development. Here, we have the first two villages:

• Kamalin Tourism Village
(Patay, Sagada, Mountain Province)
• PaDeDa Tourism Village
(Patay, Demang, Dagdag, Sagada, Mountain Province)

During the assessment, the villages showcased their local tourism initiatives, natural and cultural attractions, and community-led efforts in providing authentic and meaningful visitor experiences while safeguarding their unique heritage and identity.

The Search for the Best Cordilleran Tourism Villages continues to recognize communities that exemplify sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, and cultural integrity - strengthening the Cordilleras' position as a premier destination for responsible, immersive, and community-driven tourism.

30/05/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: 𝗗𝗢𝗧-𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀

Following the initial assessments conducted across Mountain Province, Kalinga, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayao and Abra, the Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) continued the third batch of regional evaluations this week, culminating in site visits to the municipality of Bontoc in Mountain Province.

The participating tourism villages were assessed based on their commitment to sustainable tourism, community engagement, cultural preservation, and inclusive, community-based tourism development:

• Mainit Tourism Village
(Mainit, Bontoc, Mountain Province)
• Bayyo Tourism Village
(Bayyo, Bontoc, Mountain Province)

During the assessment, the villages showcased their local tourism initiatives, natural and cultural attractions, and community-led efforts in providing authentic and meaningful visitor experiences while safeguarding their unique heritage and identity.

The Search for the Best Cordilleran Tourism Villages continues to recognize communities that exemplify sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, and cultural integrity - strengthening the Cordilleras' position as a premier destination for responsible, immersive, and community-driven tourism.

30/05/2026

The Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region joins the people of the Cordilleras in mourning the passing of Cirilo “Sapi” Ao-wat Bawer, a highly respected Kalinga culture-bearer, educator, ethnographer, and folklorist from Lubuagan, Kalinga.

A lifelong champion of indigenous knowledge and traditions, Apo Sapi devoted decades to preserving and promoting Kalinga culture, ensuring that its stories, dances, music, values, and heritage would continue to inspire future generations.

His legacy will live on in the communities he served and the culture he so passionately safeguarded. Our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the entire Kalinga community.

30/05/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: 𝗗𝗢𝗧-𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗯𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗳𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗼

The Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) continues its Initial Assessment for the 2026 Search for the Best Tourism Village in the Cordilleras, recognizing communities that showcase the region’s diverse cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and community-based tourism initiatives.

This phase of the assessment brought the evaluation team to the provinces of Abra and Ifugao, where participating villages highlighted their efforts in promoting sustainable tourism while preserving the traditions, values, and resources that make their communities unique.

Featured tourism villages include:
• Lagayan Tourism Village of Lagayan, Abra
• Tinoc-Impugong Eco-Cultural Agri-Tourism Village of Tinoc, Ifugao

The assessments provided an opportunity for the villages to present their tourism programs, local attractions, and community initiatives that contribute to enriching visitor experiences and supporting local livelihoods.

Through the Search for the Best Cordilleran Tourism Villages, communities are encouraged to strengthen sustainable tourism practices, celebrate their cultural identity, and create authentic experiences that showcase the distinctive character of the Cordilleras while generating positive impacts for their residents.



#𝖫𝗈𝗏𝖾𝖳𝗁𝖾𝖯𝗁𝗂𝗅𝗂𝗉𝗉𝗂𝗇𝖾𝗌

30/05/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐓-𝐂𝐀𝐑 𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝟓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐑𝐔𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐁𝐒𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎

The Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) successfully concluded five consecutive runs of the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Training from May 26 to 29, 2026, benefiting a total of 246 tourism stakeholders.

Participants included interns from the University of the Cordilleras – College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (UC-CHTM), two batches of tourism stakeholders from the academe, restaurant, accommodation, and tour guiding sectors in Baguio City, Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) students, teaching and non-teaching personnel of Baguio School of Business and Technology (BSBT) College, and personnel from the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO).

The FBSE Training emphasized the importance of delivering exceptional service through the Filipino values of warmth, respect, professionalism, and genuine hospitality. Through engaging discussions, interactive activities, and practical learning sessions, participants gained a deeper appreciation of their role in creating meaningful and memorable experiences for visitors.

By continuously equipping frontline tourism workers, future professionals, educators, and public servants with service excellence principles, DOT-CAR strengthens its commitment to fostering a culture of hospitality that reflects the best of the Filipino spirit and supports the sustainable growth of tourism in the City of Baguio and the Cordillera region.

30/05/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: 𝗗𝗢𝗧-𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀

The Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) continues its Initial Assessment for the 2026 Search for the Best Tourism Village in the Cordilleras, highlighting communities that champion sustainable and community-based tourism.

This leg of the assessment focused on the Province of Benguet, where participating villages showcased their unique tourism offerings, cultural heritage, natural attractions, and community-led initiatives.

Featured tourism villages include:
• Babalak-Bashoy Tourism Village of Kabayan, Benguet
• Ballay Tourism Village of Kabayan, Benguet
• La Diyang Haven Community Inc. of Tuba, Benguet

Through their distinct attractions and community-driven tourism efforts, these villages demonstrate the potential of rural tourism in creating meaningful visitor experiences while contributing to local development and cultural preservation.

As the assessment continues, the Search for the Best Cordilleran Tourism Villages shines a spotlight on communities that successfully balance tourism development with the protection of their cultural heritage, natural resources, and local way of life. Through this initiative, villages are encouraged to create enriching visitor experiences while fostering sustainable growth and strengthening community participation.



#𝖫𝗈𝗏𝖾𝖳𝗁𝖾𝖯𝗁𝗂𝗅𝗂𝗉𝗉𝗂𝗇𝖾𝗌

29/05/2026

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎'𝐒 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄 𝟑-𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐂𝐎𝐏 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆

Fifty-five (55) personnel of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) successfully completed a 3-day Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) Training held on May 27-29, 2026.

The training featured discussions and learning sessions aimed at strengthening the participants’ understanding of tourism concepts, improving tourist safety and security protocols, and enhancing their ability to interact with visitors through the Filipino Brand of Service. As frontliners in ensuring peace and order, the participants were equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide a safer, more welcoming, and tourist-friendly environment in the City of Baguio.

As part of the training, a Community Interaction Workshop was also conducted wherein tourism stakeholders from the Accommodation, Tour Guiding, Travel and Tour, and Local Government Unit sectors were tapped to participate and share concerns affecting their respective sectors. The activity provided an avenue for meaningful dialogue between tourism stakeholders and police officers, which will serve as basis in crafting a Community Action Plan responsive to the needs of the local tourism industry.

Recognizing that safety and security are essential to a thriving tourism industry, this initiative reinforces the commitment of BCPO and DOT-CAR in promoting the City of Baguio as a safe, hospitable, and world-class destination.