Nayong Pilipino trains cultural workers in preparation for “Philippines Experience” launch in CALABARZON

TAGAYTAY CITY – Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) in partnership with the Department of Tourism Office of Product and Market Development (DOT-OPMD), and DOT CALABARZON,  trained around 40 cultural workers composed of tourism officers, tour guides, and tourism planners from different provinces in CALABARZON on July 19-21, 2023 in preparation for the official launch of the “Philippine Experience” project in the region next month.

The three-day training program was attended by DOT OIC Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning Verna Buensuceso, DOT CALABARZON Regional Director Marites T. Castro, and NPF Executive Director Gertie Duran-Batocabe.

Launched in 2019, CLI MakaNayon is a series of cultural formation and heritage interpretation leadership training which explores the meaning and practice of a cultural leader in the Philippines. The CLI MakaNayon course consists of five (5) modules — MakaTao, MakaKalikasan, MakaBayan, MaPanagutan, and MakaDiwa. The modules are taught by experts from the academe,  AnthroWatch, and Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).

It includes Interpretative Planning which aims to train tourism officers or planners to develop tourism plans with a heritage interpretation framework;  Interpretative Guiding which will help tour guides to develop interpretive guides, interpretative walks and talks, incorporating local narratives and interpretation.

During her message NPF Executive Gertie Duran-Batocabe said that by providing educational opportunities and training, the agency hopes to not only expand the tourism sector, but also to increase the appreciation of Filipino culture among locals and foreigners alike.

“Through the Nayong Pilipino CLI Intensive courses, we will enable participants to develop their leadership skills and understanding of cultural heritage protection. By so doing, we hope to empower participants to become strong advocates for the conservation of their unique cultural identities,” she said.

The “Philippine Experience” is the new promotional project of the DOT that would herald the country’s rich heritage, arts, and culture through a series of caravans this year.

It would involve the development of caravans featuring culture, heritage, and arts unique to each region.

The NPF is an attached agency of the DOT, created on Nov. 6, 1972 under Presidential Decree 37, and is mandated to champion the Filipino identity by developing parks and research projects, among others.