DOT advances sustainable tourism in Batanes

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco met with officials from Batanes State College (BSC) on Friday (July 11) at the DOT Central Office to discuss opportunities for academic collaboration in promoting sustainable tourism.

The meeting builds on Batanes’ recent recognition as the Philippines’ first and only member of the UN Tourism’s International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), as well as the successful Batanes leg of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) in March 2025, which showcased the province’s rich cultural heritage and community-based tourism efforts.

Discussions focused on strengthening the role of academic institutions in advancing sustainability, establishing a unified academe-community approach, deepening inter-agency partnerships, expanding tourism research, and encouraging broader community participation in destination management.

The BSC delegation was led by College President Dr. Djovi R. Durante, alongside Program Development Consultant Allerine Isles, Director for Research, Development, Extension, and Training Leobert Banzali, Director for Administrative and Finance Services Romina Katrina Bernardo, and Director for External Linkages Daryl Alba Duguran.

Also present from the DOT were Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Head Executive Assistant Frances Jan Villarino, Director Glenn Albert Ocampo, and Chief Ramil Basuel.