Revitalizing tourism in Bulacan: Steps towards success
Cooltura by Jeoff “Jopay” Solas
The Province of Bulacan is actively strengthening tourism through initiatives like the Association of Tourism Officers of Bulacan (ATOB). Recently, Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT) served as the host municipality for the group’s Monthly Meeting. Under the leadership of Michael M. Valencia from the Municipal Tourism Office, tourism officers from various towns and cities were warmly received to discuss programs that will further enhance tourism in the province.
This gathering was a significant step towards expanding coordination and collaboration among sectors to improve tourists’ experiences. As part of this effort, an Eco-Tour was also conducted where visitors experienced firsthand the unique natural beauty and wealth here.
At present, there is great potential for tourism growth due not only to local efforts but also because there is support from the Department of Tourism (DOT). The DOT plans to expand this further by promoting farm tourism in Calumpit, culinary tourism in Malolos and Marilao, and ecotourism sites in San Miguel, Doña Remedios Trinidad, San Rafael, and Norzagaray.
On February 15, the Bulacan Association of Travel Agencies (BATAs) held its General Membership Meeting supported by PHILTOA—a major organization that helps promote packages from Bulacan.
We are seeking strong ties with the Bulacan Association of Resort Owners (BARO) to support venues like Acro Residences in Guiguinto or Palacio Real de Sto. Niño in the City of Malolos—so we can increase our capacity to accommodate visitors attending large events at The Philippine Arena.
With upcoming infrastructure developments like the New Manila International Airport, traveling here will become much easier. Therefore, it’s crucial that organizations work together with government agencies overseeing tourism.
“How to read a film”: Foundation of arts and culture
On February 19 this year, the National Committee on Cinema under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) led the film appreciation workshop, “Paano Magbasa Ng Pelikula”. This featured a film screening and talkback session with Tumandok—a powerful docu-fiction film about indigenous communities’ struggles, highlighting their fight for identity and land preservation through storytelling which resonates well with our own local stories too.
This certainly helps promote festivals like Singkaban Festival which attract not just locals but regional visitors as they want unique cultural experiences and offerings here. Also, social media plays a crucial role in amplifying these events through engaging content that significantly benefits the local economy. The meeting included Direk Arden Condez and Tito Valiente who provided insights into the challenges faced by young filmmakers from Bulacan as well as the importance of telling local stories reflecting our rich cultural heritage.
Philippines-Korea Connection
Meanwhile, Seo In-guk has been chosen to become the Philippines’ Celebrity Tourism Ambassador for Korea. This is anticipated to boost the number of visitors from Korea. In 2024 alone, 1,574,152 Korean tourists came to the country—a big leap indeed!
Their partnership aims not only to elevate the Philippines’ profile as a premier travel destination among Korean tourists but to also foster cultural exchange between both nations through diverse media channels and official campaigns.