The future is colorful for
La Trinidad tourism J. After so many years, the municipality will finally
adopt a tourism plan for 2015-2019 that will guide our legislators and
implementers in making La Trinidad a distinct and exciting destination in the
country (as an Agri-eco-cultural destination). Great credit goes to
the DOT-CAR’s assistance, the participation of all the members of the Tourism
Council from various sectors, and of course, the present administration’s
relentless passion towards tourism investment and development.
What made us
more proud, as one of those who participated in the tourism planning months
ago, is the adoption of our group’s brand slogan which features our tourism
brand essence for La Trinidad:“Valley of Colors” The slogan, initially
drawn from our distinct tourism products of strawberries, cut flowers, coffee,
and vegetables, finally serves as both inspiration, and challenge, not just to
the town’s officials, but also to every soul in our community – how can we
sustain such claim? How can we really make a “colorful” La Trinidad for our
tourists? Can our town keep up with such kind of tourism promotion and
marketing? Are our existing infrastructures and accommodations ready for
it?
If these
thoughts cross you, then that is cheerfully the first step towards cultivating
a tourism conscious community. Tourism consciousness is a culture treasured by
communities who see tourism as a valuable opportunity for economic growth.
Palawan and Sagada, for instance, have this culture; residents regulate
themselves and maintain cleanliness and orderliness because they have a decent
and holistic view of the tourism systems. “If I throw my waste here, our
tourist spot will become dirty and no tourist will come anymore…it means my
parents won’t have customers and they won’t be able to pay taxes that our
government will use for projects that will help us” a 7 year old-child in
Sagada answered when I inquired about their regular cleaning-activities.
For many
urbanizing towns, this consciousness may slowly expire: “We don’t have to
invest on tourism since we have schools, banks, and other establishments that
can sustain our local economy” said a friend in one unforgiving debate, “trumapik
lang ti turista”. Although he has a point, such naive outlook is not only
backward, but also conceited – it only proves that we lack a tourism conscious
culture.Tourism, the activity of travelling and staying in a certain place, is
not only an economic phenomenon but also a social and cultural one. It involves
most part of communities’ lives – can we imagine our place without a
single visitor? What lasting impression do we want our tourists or visitors to
have upon their visit to our town? What “experiences” do we want them to have
from our place?
For a long
time, La Trinidad, although it had successfully penetrated the market of
tourism products, has yet to substantially invest in projects that will improve
its destination-based tourism aspect. “It’s all in the pipe…the tourism
plan is the start...” our Mayor Tabanda assured me. I sincerely believe
her.
Partnerships,
unity and cooperation are the keys. We need a united and collective
consciousness that puts the community first before any other interests. Nothing
can go wrong when everyone dreams the same thing, when we all want to go in the
same direction…when we all want to be living in a Valley of colors -
alive with peaceful and loving diversity, thriving in vibrant cultures, and
imbued with dynamism and environmental consciousness.
Others,
perhaps, are initiative and volunteerism. In most developed countries, most
events-based tourism (and even destination-based) are initiated and developed
by the private sector( like Macy’s parade of New York by the privately owned
store-chain). Or as practiced locally, the private academe continually supports
the tourism industry of Baguio City; UC, for instance, donated millions-worth
Burnham master plan as a gift to the city and the people of Baguio, and SLU
initiates the city’s Lantern Parade, something that boosts the city tourism’s
year of events. Even in my visits to other provinces with successful tourism
values, it is the private sector which develops (even donates) parks and
attractions for the community's and tourists' enjoyable experience.
In La
Trinidad? Hmmmm. Perhaps all sectors must finally set aside pretexts in
community development (including its tourism aspect), to really propel our town
to better heights. As i-La Trinidad people who have stake in our own town’s
tourism industry, the ball is now in our hands in a dying second to make a
goal. With the everyone's support, I really believe that we can score on this
one. J
(The Tourism
Plan Presentation will be posted soon. Happy New Year to all :)
****
In my past
work, I have learned to become abreast with the legislative developments of our
town just in case I ever need to be professionally prepared. Hence, I have
known of the 2011 Municipal Tourism Officer Ordinance years ago even before its
posting last year. In preparation for it, I have been acquiring
significant trainings and eligibilities which include Diploma in
Tourism Studies, and NC-II Tour Guiding Services, among others, although the
ordinance specifically includes Bachelor of Laws, and Communication courses
among the qualifying degrees (which is already in my line).
Contrary to
some opinions, my decision came, not from a spur of a moment, but of months and
nights of mental anguish in decision-making. What are the chances? What if the
appointing power has not taking a liking of me? What if the hiring was
postponed? What if I have taken the job opportunity abroad? Sometimes, ‘fate’
or destiny (and even accident) is a combination of many things; perfect
preparation, luck, timing, and guts. This new year, it finally dawned to me
that our town’s tourism status is now substantially dependant on our proposals,
planning, and actions. (Wish us luck nyayy!!J)
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