Dungog IP Festival awarded best tourism event
ROXAS CITY – The Dungog: Indigenous People’s Festival of Capiz was recently adjudged Best Tourism Event in the Philippines in the provincial level for Culture and Arts category by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines.
The awarding rites was held during 11th national convention of ATOP last October 3 to 6 at the Subic Freeport Zone.
The association also cited the Capiz provincial government for hosting the festival that has attracted international and domestic tourists.
A plaque of recognition was awarded to Capiz delegates led by Board Member Sonny Besa, Provincial Tourism Officer Alphonsus Tesoro, and Dungog festival coordinator Ruel Doce.
The festival has gathered more than 100 ethno-linguistic groups nationwide to deepen awareness, understanding and appreciation of the diversity of Filipino culture and other communities, recognize the expertise and works of cultural community masters and provide venue for advocacy to preserve and integrate traditional culture and its various creative expressions as a dynamic part of the national mainstream.
It also showcased 15 traditional houses, cultural performances, interactive demonstrations of IP’s way of life, series of fora on various IP issues and concerns, traditional games exhibition, interactive workshops, and a solidarity night with the IPs, among others.
Tesoro said the province has accepted to host the next ATOP national convention scheduled in October 2011.
ATOP is the official organization of all tourism officers in the country accredited by the Department of Tourism and a major contributor to the development of tourism and tourism-related industries nationwide.*PIA
