Envoys from foreign countries who joined the Cordillera leg of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Philippine Experience Program (PEP) last week said they witnessed cultural similarities with the Cordillera Region provinces.
The PEP Cordillera, held Oct. 23 to 25, took the foreign delegates to panoramic mist-covered farms and rolling mountains in Buguias, Benguet, and the salad farm in in Bauko, Mountain Province, among others.
Thailand Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor noted a striking resemblance in indigenous traditions.
“The indigenous peoples, the dance, the way they dress is the same. You have the gong, the musical instrument. It makes me feel that we are not only friends but close relatives,” she said.
Only six months into her posting, she has been traveling across the Philippines.
“In every destination, we are working among the people and the culture, and we promote better understanding with our people,” she said, calling the entire PEP experience worthwhile.
Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh, who joined the tour with his wife and staff, said he enjoyed the journey.
“I told my wife that there are so many similarities between the Cordillera and Vietnam. You will see similar scenes, houses, people. We hope to travel more to the Philippines,” he said.
He added that with the Philippines set to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in 2026, he hopes to bring Vietnamese business owners, artists, dancers and tourists to experience the Philippine countryside.
Akiko Endo, representing her husband, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, noticed that Cordillera’s tapuey (rice wine) resembles their sake, something she hopes more Japanese visitors can taste.
“I will definitely tell my Japanese friends to come over here,” she said.
DOT Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco led the delegation of 122 participants. Other guests were Bangladesh Ambassador Mohammad Sarwar Mahmood, Sri Lanka Ambassador Dr. Chanaka Harsha Talpahewa, and representatives from the embassies of Malaysia, Cambodia and France.
She said the PEP promotes vibrant culture, distinct heritage and diverse artistic assets in line with the Philippine Tourism Development Plan 2023 to 2028. Beyond revenues, the PEP reinforces Filipino identity, pride and love of country.
Local stakeholders also gain broader exposure through participation of national tour operators and an international audience that includes diplomats and consular officials.
DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso said the cultural caravans reconnect Filipinos with their heritage and ensure that no destination and no Filipino are left behind in tourism development.
She said the program serves as an equalizer by expanding tourism opportunities across islands and building multi-dimensional experiences. (PNA)