πππ¨ ππ¦πππππ ππππππ₯ππ§ππ¦ πͺπ’π₯ππ π§π’π¨π₯ππ¦π π π’π‘π§π πͺππ§π ‘π ππππ‘ππ¬π’π‘’, π π§ππ₯ππ-πππ¬ ππ¨ππ§π¨π₯ππ ππππππ₯π¦πππ£ πͺπ’π₯ππ¦ππ’π£ | Culture, heritage, and tourism took center stage in Isabela City from September 28 to 30, as the City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through City Tourism Office led by CTO Claudio Ramos II, hosted the Cool-Tour-Ah Makanayon: Isabela Makanayon β Philippine Cultural Leadership Workshop for Tourism Practitioners at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Session Hall, Isabela City Hall Complex.
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βThe workshop was held in celebration of World Tourism Month 2026 and the Philippine Creative Industries Month, where the Nayong Pilipino Foundation and the Department of Tourism (DOT) were partners. The three days aimed to strengthen cultural leadership, deepen appreciation for Philippine heritage, and promote sustainable, culturally responsible tourism among local stakeholders.
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βDAY 1
βThe opening program began with remarks from Liliosa Libosada, Division Chief of the DOT Office of Product Development, where she spoke of Isabela City’s potential as a premier tourism destination in Mindanao, and said that beyond landscapes and attractions, it is the people who make a place special. Dr. Mary Grace Ac-Ac, Board of Trustee of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation, followed with an inspirational message that urged participants to uphold integrity, respect one another despite differences, and recognize every community’s role in nation-building.
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βA video message from Senator Loren Legarda highlighted the link between culture, heritage, and tourism. Representing the City Government, City Administrator Pedrito Eisma underscored the City’s 9-Point Agenda and the role of tourism in promoting Isabela de Basilan’s identity.
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βThe workshop proper started with Module 1, Makatao, facilitated by April Joy DopeΓ±o, on people-centered leadership, empathy, and respect. Module 2, Makakalikasan, facilitated by Kim Sinchioco, focused on environmental responsibility and the part tourism practitioners play in protecting the natural resources their communities depend on.
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βDAY 2
βMayor Turabin-Hataman delivered her Message of Support and underscored the importance of cultural appreciation and of weaving the city’s heritage into tourism development. She encouraged the participants to keep learning from the people in their own communities, who know their stories best.
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βCurator Marian Pastor Roces then shared a thought-provoking talk on the difference between tourism and culture and the arts. Tourism, she explained, carries a marketing mission, while culture and the arts are about integrity, dignity, and understanding where people come from. The two are connected, but each has its own purpose and value. Libosada and Dr. Ac-Ac also expressed their gratitude to the LGU for hosting the workshop and its commitment to culture-based tourism.
βTwo more modules followed. Module 3, Mapanagutan, facilitated by Riel Cruz, centered on accountability, responsibility, and integrity in serving communities. Module 4, Makabayan, facilitated by Lienel De Castro, highlighted love of country, appreciation of Filipino culture, and the responsibility of preserving local identity.
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βDAY 3
βCity Information Officer and GAD Focal Head Mendry Ann Lim delivered a message on the importance of gender-responsive and inclusive approaches in community development and tourism. Basilan District 1 Board Member Ahmed Djaliv Hataman also gave a message of support, recognizing the value of building the capacity of local tourism practitioners and stakeholders.
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βThe last module was facilitated by Paul John Hernandez. It encouraged participants to take pride in the country’s cultural heritage and to see themselves not only as tourism practitioners but also as stewards and storytellers of the communities they represent.
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βThroughout the three days, participants took part in discussions, interactive activities, reflection exercises, and knowledge-sharing sessions, connecting cultural values with their roles as tourism practitioners and community leaders.
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β#HAPIsabela
