Philippines Promotes Tourism Recovery in Catanduanes with Industry Tour and CSR Activities

Written By: Susmita Das

Susmita Das

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August 6, 2025 4:29 PM

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines has kept tourism alive by virtue its tour to Catanduanes from July 8 to 12, 2025. This visit was part of its Destination Marketing Assistance for Tourism Recovery Program, or DMATRP, which was designed to help places bounce back after natural disasters. The tour blended site visits with corporate social responsibility (CSR) work, letting travel and hospitality pros see first-hand how community-based tourism is leading the province’s comeback after last year’s Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Catanduanes, found in the Bicol Region, has long felt the force of every typhoon that sweeps past, earning the title ‘The Land of the Howling Winds.’ Yet the island has turned this challenge into a chance for growth, winning the heartwarming name ‘Happy Island.’ Travelers keep using the name because every visit leaves them with joyful memories. Recently, a tour organized by the Tourism Promotions Board set out to show the island’s recovery plan for tourism and community safety—and the trip turned out to be an inspiring reminder of how Catanduanes is standing tall again.

DMATRP Efforts in Catanduanes

The DMATRP was created as a means to support tourism recovery, encourage volunteerism, and promote community resilience in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Kristine. The initiative seeks to bolster local economies and empower residents through sustainable tourism while helping the province regain its status as a prime tourist destination. Catanduanes marked the second destination for this program, following a successful initial tour in Batanes earlier in 2025.

The five-day tour was attended by 14 TPB representatives, who visited several key communities and tourism sites across the province. The group was welcomed by Governor Patrick Azanza and Tourism Officer Carmel B Garcia upon their arrival in Virac, the provincial capital. The delegates began their tour with a courtesy visit to the Provincial Tourism Office and the local museum, where they gained insights into the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Activities

Throughout the tour, a number of CSR activities were carried out to support the recovery and development of local communities. Among the highlights was the donation of school supplies to Talisoy Elementary School and an art therapy session for the students, designed to help them recover from the emotional toll of the storm. In addition, the team provided protective gear for the Virac agricultural division, which is involved in the conservation of sea turtles along the coast. The TPB also contributed signage for tourism sites and uniforms for community tour guides to enhance the visitor experience.

Environmental sustainability was also a key focus of the CSR initiatives. Root crop planting took place at the Summit View Park community garden, while a tree planting activity was organized at Binurong Point. A mangrove planting event was held at the Batalay Mangrove Ecopark, promoting coastal preservation and helping to restore the natural habitat that had been damaged by the storm.

Exploring Catanduanes’ Natural Beauty

In addition to the CSR initiatives, the TPB delegation also explored the natural wonders of Catanduanes. Visits were made to several notable sites, including Tuwad Tuwadan Lagoon, Cagnipa Rolling Hills, Puraran Beach, Bato Church, and Maribina Falls. The tour also included an island-hopping experience, visiting Patag Islet, Poseidon’s Rock, and Turtle Island. These locations offered stunning views of the province’s landscapes, including its pristine beaches, rolling hills, and lush greenery, all of which continue to attract visitors despite the setbacks from last year’s storm.

During the visit, the TPB delegates also experienced a latik preparation demonstration, a traditional rice cake from Catanduanes. This hands-on activity highlighted the province’s cultural heritage and offered visitors a taste of the local culinary tradition.

Supporting Local Economies Through Tourism

Since its establishment in 2015, the TPB has organized CSR programs across the country, focusing on supporting local communities through community-based tourism. These efforts are essential in strengthening the resilience of tourism destinations and ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach all members of the community. The Catanduanes visit highlighted the role that tourism recovery plays in supporting local economies, especially in areas like Catanduanes, where tourism is an essential economic driver.

Looking to the Future

Catanduanes’ tourism rebound highlights the impact of teamwork across government agencies, businesses, and local residents. While the island moves forward, the Tourism Promotions Board will keep backing green tourism projects that uplift both the people who live here and the travelers who come. Catanduanes holds huge tourism potential, and with steady assistance, it will soon reclaim its spot as a must-visit place for travelers looking for pristine sights and deep cultural treasures.

As the tour wrapped up, everyone—community members, tour operators, and local leaders—shared a bright sense of hope and togetherness. The island’s strong spirit, matched with ongoing help from the TPB and its partners, guarantees that Catanduanes will continue to grow and welcome visitors for the times to come.