About Us

PTCAO is a department under the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, mandated to be the primary planning, programming, coordinating, and implementing office in the development and promotion of the tourism industry and the various cultural affairs concerns in the province in accordance with R.A. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009.

Background

Starting as a division of the Office of the Governor in 2002, the Pangasinan Provincial Tourism & Cultural Affairs Office was eventually institutionalized as a department in 2015 thru the Provincial Ordinance no. 184-2014. Owing to Pangasinan’s abundant natural and cultural heritage and the promise of socio-economic growth in the tourism industry, the provincial government identified tourism development and promotion and cultural preservation as a major development thrust. More than ever, the continuing influx of tourists and the need to establish sustainable tourism development push the provincial government to provide the necessary organizational and developmental framework. The province then declares tourism as a product and service-oriented industry that could generate employment, income, and investments to the people and to the province as it impacts the social growth and cultural affirmation of everyone.

Our Vision

By 2031, Pangasinan is the premier coastal and country destination in the country.

Our Mission

To perform our tourism mandate with excellence, dynamism and innovation, and a commitment to good governance; bound by our mission to develop tourism as a major and sustainable socio-economic activity; generating community awareness and support on tourism; promoting Pangasinan heritage and the development of its arts and culture; securing equal opportunity and inclusive tourism development; and strengthening partnership building and collaboration for all stakeholders – leading to a Pangasinan that is a premier province to experience life at its best.

Functions

1. Formulation of policies, conceptualization and implementation of plans, programs and projects in tourism and product development and promotions;
2. Supervision of various cultural affairs that promotes the cultural heritage growth of the province;
3. Coordination with LGUs and national government agencies for the integration of the provincial tourism and cultural agenda thru development plans;
4. Development and conceptualization of new products, tourism projects and investment opportunities that will enhance tourist sites, facilities and services;
5. Supervision of provincial government tourism-related facilities;
6. Monitors standards and accreditation of tourism-related establishments and services;
7. Formulation and implementation of an integrated tourism marketing and promotions campaign;
8. Institutionalization of community participation; and
9. Networking and linkages

Structure and Divisions of the Department

1. Tourism Planning and Product Development Division
2. Tourism Services and Promotions Division
3. Cultural Affairs Division
4. Tourist Assistance and MICE Services Division
5. Museum Services Division
6. Administrative and General Services Division

Programs and Services

1. Tourism Planning and Support Services
   1. Tourism Planning and Policy
   2. Tourism Product Development
   3. Tourism Coordination and Partnership Building
2. Tourism Services and Promotions
   1. Tourism Services Standards and Regulations Support
   2. Tourism Manpower Development
   3. Tourism Promotions
3. Cultural Affairs Services
   1. Research and IEC Development
   2. Special Assistance to Cultural Bearers and Workers
   3. Management of Cultural Heritage Sites (Casa Real, Bengson-Yuson House)
   4. Center for Pangasinan Studies
   5. Special Projects and Initiatives
4. Tourist Assistance and MICE Services
   1. Tourist Assistance Services
   2. Events Management Services
   3. Management of Event Facilities (Sison Auditorium, Pangasinan Training and Development Center II)
5. Museum Services
   1. Museum Curatorial Services
      1. Museum Program, Education, and Tours
      2. Museum Collections Management
   2. Museum Administrative Services
      1. Museum Business and Promotions
      2. Museum Administrative Services
6. Administrative and General Services
   1. Public Assistance Desk
   2. Finance and Procurement Management
   3. Personnel and Records Management
   4. PTCAO Administration and General Services

Frontline Services

The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office offers various tourism services designed to assist Pangasinenses and local & domestic tourists to enjoy their visit to the province. Technical assistance and support services may also be availed by local government units and the private sector. This is in line with the provincial government’s thrust to raise the level of awareness and appreciation of Pangasinenses for their rich natural and cultural heritage and to promote Pangasinan tourism to local, domestic and foreign tourists.

1. Provision of Tourism, Culture and Arts Information/ Data
2. Capitol Tour Guiding Services
3. Reservation Services (Sison Auditorium and Pangasinan Training & Development Center)
4. Photo and Video Shoot Permits (for Capitol Builidng, Sison Auditorium, Pangasinan Training and Development Center II)
5. Special Events Organizing or Assistance