Baguio City, a beloved tourist destination in the Philippines, has been experiencing a surge in visitors in recent years. Recognizing the need for equitable growth, the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) is shifting its focus from solely benefiting the central business district to empowering grassroots communities in surrounding barangays.
Led by BTC chairperson Gladys Vergara, the council is working to extend tourism’s reach beyond the bustling commercial center. Vergara has initiated conversations with barangay leaders from 11 key districts, including Upper Magsaysay, New Lucban, Lower General Luna, and Malcolm Square. These discussions aim to unlock the economic potential of these barangays by integrating them into the city’s thriving tourism industry.
Vergara emphasizes the importance of “equitable and inclusive growth” that benefits all residents, not just those in the city center. She acknowledges that while Baguio’s central zones have been the primary beneficiaries of tourism, neighboring areas often miss out on the full range of opportunities.
The BTC’s strategy involves fostering local entrepreneurship and job creation in these barangays. By promoting small businesses, artisans, and other sectors in peripheral areas, the council aims to create new avenues for economic participation. Tourists venturing into these neighborhoods will have the opportunity to experience authentic local culture, contributing to the revenue of these communities.
The council’s vision goes beyond simply boosting economic growth. It’s about ensuring inclusive development that benefits everyone, particularly those in lower economic brackets. This initiative aims to elevate the overall well-being of residents by sharing tourism’s wealth more evenly and encouraging a sense of collective progress.
For global travelers, this new initiative could mean a more diverse and enriching experience in Baguio. As the council’s efforts come to fruition, tourists might soon find themselves exploring less-visited barangays, discovering hidden gems that were previously overshadowed by the bustling city center.
Visitors would have the opportunity to interact with local communities, experience authentic culture, and contribute to the development of these smaller, yet essential, districts. Tourists exploring beyond the usual tourist spots would not only benefit from unique cultural experiences but would also help sustain the local economy by spreading their spending across various areas.
The expansion of tourism beyond Baguio’s central zones could also lead to less crowding in popular spots, providing a more comfortable experience for visitors while boosting lesser-known areas. As the BTC continues its work, the local government remains committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development. This vision of balanced growth ensures that all communities in Baguio, particularly those on the periphery of the city center, have a stake in the success of the city’s tourism industry.
As Baguio continues to welcome millions of visitors annually, the city’s tourism council is taking proactive steps to ensure the benefits of this industry are spread across all sectors of society. Vergara’s initiative to engage local barangays not only paves the way for more inclusive economic growth but also offers tourists a chance to discover new, enriching experiences in Baguio’s surrounding areas. As Baguio pushes for more equitable tourism, its grassroots communities may soon play a more prominent role in welcoming and sharing the city’s rich cultural heritage with visitors from around the world.
