NEDA exec sees potential in Cordillera tourism industry

AN OFFICIAL of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said Thursday further developing the farm tourism destinations in the Cordillera will help boost the region's economy.

"We need to boost the tourism industry of the region because not only can we showcase the pride and culture of the Cordillera but it will also lead towards an inclusive and sustainable economic development for the Indigenous Peoples community," NEDA Undersecretary for Regional Development Adoracion Navarro told a press conference here.

Navarro was with Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia for the Cordillera Stakeholders meeting. They later inspected the Loakan airport for its possible inclusion in the national infrastructure program priority.

Navarro said there is a need for Cordillera to further strengthen its agricultural productivity and tourism industry, which when taken as one will boost the people’s income via farm tourism.

The NEDA officials said the tourism industry has a great potential to showcase the unique culture and pride of the Cordillera.

Cordillera has a lot of natural reBANGUED,

sources, especially in indigenous cultural communities, which will greatly benefit from the development of farm and eco-tourism sites in the region, they added.