Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and Laguna, Philippines Collaborate to Boost Tourism Development through Knowledge Sharing and Sustainable Practices

Published on November 27, 2025

The province of Laguna and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have formed a strategic partnership in an exciting move to boost regional tourism. The goal of this partnership is to promote knowledge sharing and enhance both regions’ tourism infrastructure and cultural advancement. In their quest to improve tourism circuits and best practices, BARMM tourism officials recently visited Laguna, marking a significant milestone and laying the groundwork for a win-win partnership between the two regions.

Building a Strong Foundation for Tourism Development
The decision to forge a partnership between BARMM and Laguna stems from the recognition of Laguna’s historical significance and its potential as a leader in tourism development. BARMM officials, eager to tap into the province’s wealth of expertise, embarked on a benchmarking tour focused on the development of tourism circuits. This tour was designed not only to learn about Laguna’s tourism offerings but also to understand its governance framework and how private sector involvement contributes to the sector’s success. The visit marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will see both regions benefiting from shared knowledge and experiences.

Laguna’s Rich Cultural Heritage as a Model for BARMM
Laguna is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant tourism industry. As the home of the famous Pagsanjan Falls, the Rizal Shrine, and the Enchanted Kingdom theme park, the province has positioned itself as a key tourist destination in the Philippines. The province’s tourism model emphasises the seamless integration of culture, history, and natural beauty, offering valuable insights for other regions looking to build sustainable tourism sectors.

For BARMM, this partnership is seen as an opportunity to leverage Laguna’s proven strategies to boost its own tourism industry. The region, which is known for its rich cultural diversity, natural wonders, and historical significance, is keen on improving its tourism infrastructure to attract both local and international visitors. With its untapped potential, BARMM sees tourism as a crucial part of its economic development strategy.

Focus on Sustainable Tourism Practices
As part of their collaboration, both regions are committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices. In the past few years, there has been a growing emphasis on eco-friendly travel experiences and responsible tourism. This trend is expected to become a key focus of the partnership between BARMM and Laguna, ensuring that future tourism growth in both areas is sustainable and beneficial to local communities. In Laguna, for instance, private sector engagement has been instrumental in introducing ecotourism initiatives that focus on preserving the environment while still attracting visitors. BARMM plans to replicate these successful practices to ensure that its natural resources and cultural heritage are protected for future generations.

Private Sector Engagement and Tourism Growth
One of the key elements of the partnership is the active involvement of the private sector in tourism development. Both BARMM and Laguna recognize that tourism is not just a government responsibility but also requires collaboration with local businesses, stakeholders, and communities. In Laguna, the private sector has played an essential role in enhancing the region’s tourism infrastructure and providing high-quality services that cater to the needs of tourists. From hospitality to local transport services, private businesses have been crucial in shaping Laguna’s tourism success.

For BARMM, the private sector’s engagement is seen as vital to the region’s tourism expansion. With a focus on creating job opportunities and boosting local economies, the partnership aims to encourage private investments in tourism-related ventures, such as hotels, resorts, and local businesses. By involving the private sector, both regions hope to create a more resilient and dynamic tourism industry that can withstand global challenges, such as economic downturns and pandemics.

A Vision for the Future: Strengthening Interregional Learning
Gov. Sol Aragones of Laguna expressed her strong support for the partnership, emphasizing the importance of interregional learning in the development of tourism. She noted that this collaboration provides a unique opportunity for both regions to learn from each other’s strengths and challenges. The sharing of knowledge, ideas, and best practices will be crucial to building more effective tourism policies and strategies that benefit local communities.

The collaboration between BARMM and Laguna is expected to extend beyond just tourism development. It is part of a larger vision to promote cultural exchange, foster understanding, and strengthen the ties between regions. By working together, both regions can create tourism circuits that highlight the Philippines’ rich cultural diversity and natural beauty. This effort also aligns with the national government’s broader tourism agenda, which aims to position the country as a top global destination.

A Bright Future for Philippine Tourism
The future of Philippine tourism appears bright as BARMM and Laguna set out on this thrilling journey of cooperation. In addition to boosting their individual tourism sectors, the two regions’ collaboration will advance the nation’s larger objective of encouraging sustainable, culturally enriching, and economically empowering travel experiences. BARMM and Laguna are paving the way for a more diverse and thriving tourism industry in the Philippines by cooperating and sharing knowledge.