CEBU, Philippines - Aside from the objective of uplifting countryside tourism, the goal of providing livelihood to more people gives boost to the Department of Tourism’s “Home-Stay” program.
This according to DOT secretary Joseph Ace Durano saying that they are perceptive of the success of the program and that it remains DOT’s fervent wish that more provinces would be able to do the same.
The Home-Stay program of DOT was developed to complement the usual accommodation for tourists like hotels, motels and pension houses. The program is participated in by homeowners that allocate a certain part of their house to accommodate guests and treat them as part of the family.
DOT gave free trainings to the interested owners and those who passed were given P75,000 to furnish the houses with needed facilities like air condition units or fans, beds, bathrooms and others that could be used by their guests.
“It is our way of getting the community to participate and benefit from tourism growth in the country,” said Durano.
The program has been implemented in a number of provinces in the country like in Pilar, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte.
During a recent visit sponsored by DOT in the Caraga region, DOT-7 representatives, media practitioners, and travel operators dropped by the town of Pilar, where the program has been successfully operating.
Carmencita Ombos, one of the 16 residents in Pilar who has offered part of her house for the program and passed the training said that she was very happy with it since they were able to help boost tourism in their place because the tourists did not have any problem with looking for good accommodations.
She shared that for very minimal prices, they already offered rooms, water and electricity, food, plus they treat the guests as family.
The flock of tourists has continually increased in Siargao due to its popularity as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines,” and has also invited more guests as they have also started the first International Game Fishing Tournament last year.
Residents and the Local Government Units of Siargao have acknowledged the help of the Home-Stay program to their place, as well as the livelihood of the people who are carrying out the program.— AJ de la Torre