ILOILO CITY — The Alibhon public market of the municipality of Jordan in Guimaras will be the pilot site for the new market tourism program of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
DOT 6 (Western Visayas) Regional Director, Lawyer Helen J. Catalbas, said that market tourism is one of the tourism product activities they will pursue.
It is aligned with the farm tourism promotion where products of the farm in the area will be sold in the identified market.
The department has identified 20 public markets all over Western Visayas, each being treated as a “unique project”.
The municipality of Jordan was the first to respond, said Catalbas.
The local government unit has allotted PHP12 million for the rehabilitation and beautification of the market. Another PHP10 million is being committed next year.
The product will be launched May 21-22, in time for the highlight of the 25th Manggahan Festival.
Prior to the festival, the public market will already have two market days—Wednesday and Sunday—from what used to be a Sunday only.
Catalbas said the market will be included in the itinerary of tour groups, individuals and independent travelers whenever they go to Guimaras.
“It’s has been the customs of Filipino tourists, foreign tourist, even researchers to visit the market of they want to know the real culture of the place,” she said.
During the launching, DOT will also be inviting tourism officers of other local government units in the region so they could introduce the concept back to their respective places.
“The secretary wants this to be the benchmark for a new product developed by the DOT regional office,” she said.
In choosing markets for the new program, DOT has considered their accessibility from ports, airports, bus terminals, availability of transport, abundance of supply in the area to be showcased such as fresh fruits, processed foods and souvenirs, peace and order situation and the willingness of the local government to partner with the department.
She added that it has to be a “top of the line for a public market, way above the ordinary market place”. (PNA)
