Search for Best Cordillera Tourism Villages 2025: Deadline extended, P2M at stake

Baguio City, Philippines - The hidden gems of Cordillera have more time to sparkle as the regional tourism department moved the final call for the Search for the Best Cordillera Tourism Villages 2025.

Now on its fourth year, said initiative aims to promote tourism villages that excel not just in community development and cultural preservation but also in sustainability.

This year’s quest was launched on February 12 in Baguio City. Regional Director of the Department of Tourism-Cordillera, Jovita Ganongan, highlighted that the search is a commitment to elevating the tourism sector, encouraging best practices, and fostering partnerships to strengthen a tourism ecosystem that benefits both visitors and residents while empowering local communities.

The application deadline was initially set on March 25 but was later extended to April 21, providing additional time for tourism villages to prepare and submit their entries.

Application Process

To begin the application process, download the application form at https://tinyurl.com/BTV2025Form. Complete the form with required information then email it to btvcordillera@gmail.com. Use BEST TOURISM VILLAGE SEARCH APPLICATION as the subject title, and attach documents, data, video footage and photos to support your application.

After submission, a team from the tourism department will review the application to assess eligibility. If requirements are met, the search committee will notify the applicant of its acceptance.

Members of the screening panel will then arrange a visit to the village to verify and validate the information provided in the application.

Criteria and Prizes

All entries will be evaluated based on the key pillars of sustainability: sustainable management, socio-economic and rural development, cultural sustainability, and environmental sustainability. Each of the four pillars contributes 25% to the final score.

The winners will not only take home their respective title. They are guaranteed to receive cash incentives to support their community-based tourism projects aimed at enhancing tourism services and enriching visitor experiences.

The grand champion will go home with P1 million prize. The second place will win P500,000, and the third place will get P200,000. Three runners-up will each receive P100,000.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your community’s unique culture, heritage, and sustainable tourism practices. Celebrate the vibrant spirit of the Cordilleras and let your village shine on the regional stage!” invites DOT-Cordillera.

Hapao-Baang-Nungulunan Clustered Tourism Village of Hungduan, Ifugao became the first-ever winner of the search since it made its debut in 2022, followed by Bagumbayan Coffee Village of Tabuk City, Kalinga in 2023, and by Sustainable Tourism Village of Damag, Jacmal and Budhian of Aguinaldo, Ifugao last year.