2 Balbalan villages among 12 Best Cordillera Tourism Village finalists

Balbalan, Kalinga – Two villages in Balbalan have taken step closer to winning the huge prizes for this year’s ‘Search for the Best Cordillera Tourism Village.’

Initiated by the Department of Tourism – Cordillera, the accolade recognizes all existing and emerging, community-led destinations that are embracing tourism as a driver of development.

Out of the 20 applicants visited by those from the tourism agency, Tawang Tourism Village and Balbalasang Village in Balbalan advanced to Top 12.

Over the weekend, DOT–DOT-Cordillera explored the Magangab and Maanus caves in Tawang, as well as the rivers and other breathtaking sites. Likewise, they took a trip down the history lane with the pre-World War II houses that have much to tell about the locals’ origin and tradition.

As for Balbalasang, it automatically entered the final validation as it settled as a runner-up in last year’s search. Only the new entries were subjected to the preliminary inspection.

Tawang and Balbalasang villages will be up for ocular inspection and validation where each will be judged based on sustainable management (25%), socio-economic and rural economic development sustainability (25%), cultural sustainability (25%), and environmental sustainability (25%).

Other finalists

Along with the said villages are other finalists, as follows: Buscalan Tattoo Village of Tinglayan and Bagumbayan Tourism Village of Tabuk City in Kalinga; Barangay Losad Tourism Village of Sabangan, Guinzadan Tripartite Tourism Village, and Bila Tourism Village of Bauko in Mt. Province; Batad Rice Terraces Tourism Village of Banaue, Nagacadan Open-Air Museum of Kiangan, and Chaya Tourism Village of Mayoyao in Ifugao; Cluster TaBuPaRi Village in Calanasan, Apayao; and Stobosa in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Prizes

The top 12 villages have the chance to take home the P1 million grand prize.

The locality to garner the second highest score is set to receive P500,000 prize, and P200,000 for the third.

Three runners-up will be given a P100,000 reward each.

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