TPB Brings Aid and Hope to Batanes Through Tourism Recovery and Community Support

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines extended meaningful support to the people of Batanes during their recent Inspection and CSR Tour, as part of the Destination Marketing Assistance for Tourism Recovery Program (DMATRP).

Batanes continues to shine as a top travel destination, even beating famous Asian spots in this recognition of Filipino pride and natural beauty.

Following the damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, TPB’s visit from May 19 to 23, 2025, aimed to help boost community resilience and tourism readiness in the northernmost province of the Philippines. Batanes, known for its stunning landscapes and Ivatan heritage, relies heavily on agriculture, fisheries, and tourism—sectors heavily affected by natural calamities.

In a strong show of bayanihan, TPB turned over tour guide kits containing vests, lanyards, and first-aid supplies to local guides to promote professionalism and safety. Roofing materials were also donated to help restore a traditional Ivatan house in Savidug Village, Sabtang. Additionally, 150 tourist cogon tricycles received new branding stickers—boosting visibility and preserving the iconic cogon-roofed transport known to withstand strong sea breezes.

Batanes proves its ecological importance once again with the Philippines’ first recorded sighting of the rare long-billed plover.

TPB also responded to a fire that hit Basco Central School in March by organizing a donation drive for students and teachers. School supplies were collected and personally delivered by TPB, led by Acting Domestic Promotions Head Arnold T. Gonzales.

“In the spirit of bayanihan, we are here to extend our assistance to our fellow Filipinos in Batanes,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “Let us remember that these materials are more than just a donation. Instead, these are symbols of our shared commitment to building a community and a tourism sector that values empathy and resilience.”

Batanes strengthens its food security and cultural heritage through an inspiring shift to organic farming rooted in Ivatan traditions.

TPB also joined local stakeholders at Basco State College for a dialogue on sustainable tourism and business opportunities in the wake of recent challenges. These exchanges aim to support long-term development while preserving Batanes’ identity as a sustainable tourism model under the UNWTO network.

TPB’s Batanes visit is the latest in a series of 38 CSR programs carried out nationwide since 2015, each driven by the goal of uplifting local communities through tourism.

Albay showcased its tourism gems through the same TPB community-based marketing initiative empowering local destinations across the Philippines.

“By working together, we ensure that Batanes remains a beacon of resilience and beauty in Philippine tourism,” COO Nograles added.

TPB thanked its member-donors who made the BCS donation possible: Asiaventure, Metro Wanderer Travel Services, New World Makati Hotel, Sole Explorer Travel and Tours, Quasar Travel and Tours, and Viva Nomads.

Read more stories of Good Deed bayanihan and sustainable tourism efforts that uplift Filipino communities only on GoodNewsPilipinas.com.