LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Office and the DOT Region 1 Office, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, LGU Lingayen, and LGU Bayambang, brought the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) in the province last March 20-21, 2024. PEP is the DOT’s flagship project led by Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco which aims to promote tourism products focused on the country’s Filipino essence and identity.
DOT Secretary Frasco, along with other DOT officials, arrived in the capital town of Lingayen and first set foot at the historical Capitol Building where they were greeted by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and provincial government officials.
Hon. Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Hon. Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil, and Mr. Francis Lord Salosagcul (representative of Hon. Mayor Mary Clare Judith Phyllis J. Quiambao), joined the delegation at the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum where they were given a complete tour around its eleven galleries.
“I am in full appreciation of the journey that Pangasinan has taken, that has left an imprint in history… Under the leadership of your visionary governor, Pangasinan’s direction is forward, always forward, and we’re here to manifest our full support for your plans for your province,” Secretary Frasco said in a speech at the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum. She likewise extended her personal gratitude to Governor Guico’s father, Hon. Congressman Ramon N. Guico Jr., who made it possible for the DOT head to be confirmed in the Commission of Appointments.
Secretary Frasco expressed her excitement in returning to inaugurate a tourist rest area set to be established in the province possibly later in the year.
Meanwhile, the second day of the PEP tour began with a festive and lively performance by Lingayen’s Bagoong Festival Street Dancers as they welcomed diplomatic corps, regional directors, travel and tour operators, media and influencers, cultural workers, and tourism officers of various LGUs at the Capitol Plaza. At the Sison Auditorium, they were also treated to demos featuring buri weaving and buri bag painting by weavers from Santiago Island, Bolinao, as well as a cooking demo by student-chefs from Señor Tesoro College School of Culinary Arts. Local MSMEs like Freshious, Inc./Pan de Mya Bakery/AmBagelCo, UPLokal, and Cacao Growers were present to showcase local products, alongside Lingayen cuisine in a taway-taway booth set up by the Lingayen Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office. The guests were entertained by performances by Aniwëng na Cuerdas Rondalla and KORO Universidad de Dagupan as well. This was followed by a tour at the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum before the delegates departed for Bayambang for another tour at the St. Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park.
/MCDG-U
Photos: RSR & KFC
