The Department of Tourism Cordillera Region’s Motocaravan and Heritage Discovery rolled off last Monday across 224 kilometers of scenic mountain roads in the provinces of Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Kalinga.
The motocaravan journey highlighted the exciting tourism destinations and heritage sites along the Ifugao-Mountain Province-Kalinga route. The ride started from Banaue to the Kalinga Provincial Capitol in Tabuk City passing through the scenic roads of Mayoyao, Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, and Paracelis.
The caravan officially opened with a warm welcome dinner at the iconic Banaue Hotel. Welcoming the participants are Department of Tourism (DOT) CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan, Banaue Tourism Officer Rio Dale Humiwat, TIEZA officer Yssa Tizon, and Banaue Hotel Resident Manager Marlon Prieto.
The evening was filled with excitement and thrill as a hundred participants from different riding groups in various parts of the Cordillera, Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4A, and NCR became acquainted with each other. A three-month-old Yorkshire Terrier puppy named Zenki joining the DOT staff was one of the most popular among the
participants and a favorite photography subject by documentors.
Divided into four teams, the riders were assisted by marshalls and Baguio-based 911 rescue headed by Rafael Valencia. Guidelines to the motocaravan were formulated by head marshall Robert Macagba, president of the Cordillera Motorcycle Riders Federation, Inc.
Regional Director Ganongan said, “this event was to launch a new tourism activity introducing new routes to two-wheel transport that is now becoming a popular and convenient way to travel as there is a steady increase of motorcycle owners.”
According to Ganongan, “the event is not only to introduce new scenic routes but to make it meaningful by mixing leisure travel and cultural immersion.” This activity also promotes the Department of Tourism hashtags #FindYourselfintheCordilleras and #ItsMoreFuninthePhilippines and #PhilippineMotorcycleTourism.
Julius “Bugoy” Gaona who had been joining endurance challenges said that “being a Motorcycle Endurance Rider, participating in Philippine Motorcycle Tourism is vastly different. Because here you can halt for the most beautiful scenic views of nature, the most enormous and coolest worldview, and you have the opportunity to witness the cultural diversity of Cordilleras. Above all, you can demonstrate how blessed the Philippines’ natural environment is.”
Culminating activity on the 21st of June was at the Kalinga Capitol with DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovi Ganongan, Kalinga Board Member Lester Lee Tarnate – Committee Chairman on Tourism, Agriculture, and Cooperative. The culminating dinner was facilitated by staff of the Provincial Tourism Office headed by Provincial Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-i. CCT
